“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” Psalm 90:14
Faithfulness, integrity, love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness and gentleness:
Words that describe one who will receive the “Crown of Life” for a life lived well, as a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, sister, auntie and friend.
On Wednesday morning November 22, 2023 our beloved Mom was taken suddenly to be with her Lord and Saviour. Being a life long lover of music and a beautiful singer herself, there is no doubt in our minds that she is now singing for joy with the angels.
Not only does Mom leave an enduring legacy of her steadfast faith but she also leaves the legacy of a large and loving family, her six children, Dorothy/Bill, Rick, Pete/Sheila, Allan/Angela, Yvonne/Paul and Tom/Wendy. She was blessed with 21 adoring grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. She was also a loving Auntie to many nieces and nephews and leaves behind her only sister Pearl and brothers, Jim, Bert, Stuart and Klaas along with their wives.
Born in the Netherlands to a family of 9 children, Mom, with her parents and siblings immigrated to Canada in 1949. She was followed by her childhood sweetheart, Allan whom she married in 1953. The years after the immigration were lean and hard but, surrounded by a loving group of fellow immigrants, they not only survived but thrived. They had what the world would say is nothing much, but in their minds, with their faith, family, friends, love and enough food to put on the table, as Mom would say “ We had it all and they were truly some of our happiest times! “
Mom loved children and was content to stay home and happily raise her brood while Dad worked two jobs to establish a life for their family in their new country. Mom was so loving and kind and a lot of fun. She loved meeting people, no one stayed a stranger for long. Our friends loved to spend time at our home, there was always room at the dinner table for one more. As the kids grew older and as they could, Mom and Dad had wonderful times with friends and family travelling through Canada, the States and to some more exotic locations.
Mom never wavered in that winsome childlike faith she had along with that zest for life, she exuded joy. Mom, you are going to be so missed but now you are in your eternal home. Trust that your legacy is well grounded and lives through us. We will do our best to follow in your footsteps.
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you, I have summoned you by name, you are mine.” (Is 43:1)
Please join us for Mom’s Celebration of Life that will held at 1pm November 29, 2023 at Christ Community Church, 3897 Holland Ave.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
34 Responses
We are sending our deepest condolences to the families in the passing of your mother.
Dear Tolsma family,
I’m so very sorry for the loss of your mother, Luella. I have fond memories, being fortunate to be one of her caregivers. We always had some fun and laughs together. May peace be with you all during this time of sadness.
Our deepest condolences to you all. Doug & Cory Tacoma
Dear Dorothy & Bill, Rick, Pete & Sheila,Allan & Angela,Yvonne & Pleun, Tom & Wendy. Onze condoleances na het overlijden van jullie moeder. We denken aan jullie en wensen jullie sterkte en allen de onmisbare Zegen van God.