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Tribute Wall
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Cathie smirh posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 29, 2021
Gertie will be forever in our hearts at Stillpont Iyengar yoga .She was a pleasure to teach and everyone in the class adored her .She was grounded , strong and dedicated to her practise!! I fondly remember her in a workshop shocking me with her ability to do a backbend before I could even give her an alternate she was already doing it .She loved a challenge .She spoke so highly of her children and grandchildren and I am truly sorry for your loss. Love and Light Cathie Smith
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Connie (McLachlan) Sutherland posted a condolence
Thursday, June 10, 2021
To Gertie's family,
I was lucky enough, as a cousin on the other side, to visit "Aunt Gertie", with Aunt Winnie, and cousins, Karen & Donna when we were little. I recall visiting their place, and shelling peas outside at her picnic table.
Later, I would bump into her when she had the Animal Shelter and had some wonderful conversations, it was always good to catch up with her.
My condolences to you, her family, at this time of loss.
Connie
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Kevin Cuz posted a condolence
Monday, June 7, 2021
Gertie generously gave my wife and I the use of their car for many months while we were raising our financial support in order to become missionaries with Athletes in Action, 13 years ago. Her generosity, kindness and compassion have inspired us on so many occasions of our lives, knowing she was always putting love into tangible action for those around her. She will be deeply missed and leaves an incredible legacy behind!
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Sonja [Berg][ McLeish] Seiler posted a condolence
Saturday, June 5, 2021
condolences to the Dielman and Twynstra familes
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Peter and Anna Geene posted a condolence
Saturday, June 5, 2021
Dear Martin and family, We want to send our sincere condolences to all your family. We remember all of you fondly.
greetings to all of you and also to Shirley and Peter. Sincerely Peter and Anna Geene.
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Bruce Gibb posted a condolence
Thursday, June 3, 2021
Our sympathies to Frank, Suzanne, and Mary Jo and Martin as you deal with the loss of one you loved so much. But Gertie believed in One she had not seen, that she was going to a place she had never been, to become the likes of what she could not even imagine. Oh to be able to see what she is seeing and to see what she has become. What glory! I much appreciated her industriousness. She sure loved God's creatures. Through the kennel she achieved her dream of caring for many community animals. And through the kennel she gave many local young people their start into the work world.
I am also thankful for the good example she made of opening up her home. She hosted the many weeks of the series "Experiencing God," as well as church social gatherings, and monthly prayer meetings for Wycliffe missionaries. She always provided strips of paper of the different missionaries prayer requests that we would work through over the evening. I gained a greater appreciation for missions through Gertie. Her faith was beautiful because of the Saviour she loved. May her memory live on in us. Bruce and Dianne Gibb
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Rebekah Drew posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 1, 2021
Since the beginning of my ministry working with Wycliffe Bible Translators in Papua New Guinea, Gertie was one of my biggest prayer supporters. I first met her and Martin when they were hosting a monthly meeting in their home to pray for Wycliffe missionaries and the work of Bible translation around the world. At the time, I was working to pay off my college debt and preparing to join Wycliffe. That was more than 15 years ago! Over the years, Gertie continued to keep in touch, encouraging me and assuring me of her prayers. The last time I saw her was in January 2020, when I gave a talk about my work at our church. Afterwards, she sent me an email saying how much she had enjoyed my talk. She shared about some of the difficulties she was experiencing at that time, but concluded with, "God is Good. He reigns!" She also said, "Will be in prayer for you and always treasure the prayer times we have had in the past." I, too, treasure those times, and am grateful to God for the blessing of knowing Gertie, a faithful servant of God and woman of prayer.
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Rick and Carol McArthur posted a condolence
Tuesday, June 1, 2021
Whenever we were in Canada we could count on being invited out to Gertie and Martin’s for a meal, a time of fellowship, and often for a tour of the animal shelter. Their love, support and prayers for us and for for our ministry have been a source of great blessing over many years.
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Mae Ehrenberg posted a condolence
Monday, May 31, 2021
The memories I have of Gertie. I first met her because our daughter Lynette was engaged to marry their son Frank. We came through Canada on our way to Methuen, Massachusetts where they would be married. I was making all the girls dresses so came by their house for a fitting. She was so loving and kind and helpful. Lynette and I had a pleasant stay and got the work done on the dresses. Over the years we have visited at times to see Lynette and Frank and to stay with the children. Each time she served us meals and made sure we were well taken care of. Visits were over meals and games. I remember she loved to play scrabble. Her step-mother taught her that game and was played often. Her love of dogs and cats was evident for she had a kennel to keep them. She and I also shared a love of bird watching. They had lots of feeders outside the dining room windows and a bird bath like I had at home. Visiting was no problem we always had things to share of family or about Jesus. We e-mailed back and forth and sometimes wrote letters. When they went to Florida one year they came and stayed with us. We all enjoyed having Martin, Gertie and her sister and one other which I can't remember. They were such a joy to have in our home. Now she is rejoicing in heaven with Ron, and other family members. Blessing to the family that is left who grieve her passing. May the God of love wrap His arms around you and comfort each one of you.
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Wilhelmina Kuysten posted a condolence
Sunday, May 30, 2021
My condolences to the Dieleman and Twynstra families. Shortly after moving back to this area we stopped in to visit Gertie and Martin at the Animal Rescue Centre. She welcomed us and knew who I was (even after 48 years) and gave us a tour of the facility. No question her passion was the well being of these furry friends. It is hard to find the words that might bring you comfort at this time of loss....but perhaps just knowing thinking of you with sympathy and understanding will somehow help to give you strength at this difficult time.
Wilhelmina Kuysten and daughter Leeanne
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Richard Snyder posted a condolence
Saturday, May 29, 2021
Apart from many good memories visiting "Aunt Gertie" when I was growing up, she also encouraged and supported a small ministry that we started 10 years ago. The day she passed away, I wrote our latest ministry newsletter and included this tribute to her:
"Tribute to Aunt Gertie: This morning my Aunt Gertie departed from her earthly tent and moved into her eternal
dwelling. The last time we visited her, she showed us her sanctuary; the woods by her house, where she went to worship
God. She came alive as she expressed her love for Jesus; it was beautiful to see! She last called a few months ago,
to express her appreciation for addressing COVID in our newsletter. It was a particularly difficult time for me and I
was just heading into a disheartening meeting. The precise timing of her call brought greatly needed encouragement.
But the greatest encouragement was her attitude about life and heaven. Despite the physical pain she was in, she joyfully
shared: “O my, I’m enjoying so much the time God is giving me...I’m so blessed...I’m so glad to go home [heaven].”
Thank you Aunt Gertie for loving Jesus and serving others. Maybe in heaven you can show us around your new sanctuary.
So long dear pilgrim, till we meet again, on the other side of the Jordan. “For we know that if the tent that
is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” 2 Cor. 5:1-2
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Sharon Belcourt posted a condolence
Saturday, May 29, 2021
I have been in a prayer group with Gertie and Martin since 2008 I believe. She was such an encouragement to me personally, both her and Martin. We prayed often together in our small group for all of you in her family, her friends, animals , and neighbours . You were so close to her heart. She prayed for all of us as well in our prayer group. We shared the love of Jack Russell terriers which I have as well. One of my favourite memories was the time her and Martine and Dorothy and I went to Muskoka for the fall retreat in 2018. She drove up with Martin and a friend on her own. We were worried about her , but she was fine ! How she enjoyed that time and even went swimming. She could not wait to go in the water. .I am pretty sure she was in the lake before me! Gertie loved all of God's creation and all of you. She stayed close to God even through cancer . She was an inspiration to me, her faith and peace at the end. I feel I was blessed to have known her . I will miss her.
Sharon Belcourt
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Dawson and Pat Tennant posted a condolence
Saturday, May 29, 2021
Gertie and Martin blessed me and my family so much. She always joyfully welcomed and graciously hosted us a number of times. I first met them through the Wycliffe prayer meeting in their home, probably around 1991. So that's 30 years ago! Gertie and Martin loaned us their van one summer (I think 2002). We appreciated their faithful prayers and encouragement and generous financial partnership with us. Dawson and I pray for God's comfort and peace for Martin and all your families. It was wonderful to hear all your stories at the Celebration of her life and love. God bless you all. Pat Tennant, Calgary, AB
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Marg Harris donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY OF CANADA - SOCIETE ALZHEIMER DU CANADA
Saturday, May 29, 2021
My condolences to all the family.
Gertie was a dear South Lobo Women's Institute friend and neighbour.
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Anthony van de Ven and Ruth McNab posted a condolence
Saturday, May 29, 2021
Dear Family of Gertie,
It was in our bible study group that we met Gertie (and Martin.)
The more we got to know Gertie the more we liked, respected and admired her.
This continued until recently!! We will definitely miss Gertie in our group but knowing we will see you again in heaven gives us great comfort!
Peace to the family.
Anthony and Ruthie
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Michelle Ropchan posted a condolence
Saturday, May 29, 2021
Mary Jo and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. My prayers go out to you and all of your family. I have been thinking about you these last couple of days and you will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
I have so many child hood memories of being at your family farm having many play dates and many birthday party celebrations.
Hoping we can get together soon.
Love, your good friend, Michelle (Griffith) Ropchan
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Moira posted a condolence
Saturday, May 29, 2021
I was so sad to hear of Mrs Dieleman’s passing. She was a wonderful woman. I have so many memories at their farm with Jo and Michelle. She will be missed. The funeral was beautiful and showed the impact she had on many people. She will be missed.
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Jason 1 Peetsma pledged to donate to One Book
Saturday, May 29, 2021
Knowing how much Gertie loved what you were doing.
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Debbie Males posted a condolence
Saturday, May 29, 2021
So sorry to hear about your mom. She was one of the hardest working people I know. She and Martin were very generous and came and helped us out when we needed it. I will be praying for you guys as you go through this loss. Love from Debbie Males
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Geppie Jorritsma-Postma posted a condolence
Saturday, May 29, 2021
Our condolences with the lost of your wife,mother and grandma. I met her a few times, when I was over in Canada, at the home of Pete and Charlotte Postma- Nichols. Wish you all the best, keep your own memory of Gertie. Jorrit and Geppie Jorritsma-Postma Holland Email: j.jorritsma1@knid.nl
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Emily Austin posted a condolence
Saturday, May 29, 2021
My sincerest condolences to all the family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Emily Austin
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Jason Peetsma lit a candle
Saturday, May 29, 2021
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Unfortunately because of Covid, my family and I cannot attend your funeral service …so I’ll use the only platform I have to speak from my heart.
I can not begin to tell you how heavy a heart I have finding out Gertie has left us. The memories I have of her are so special. She was an amazing person, to say the least. One of the best bosses, mentors, and friends. I am so honored to have had the pleasure of knowing her for the past 30yrs. I am so grateful to have her at my wedding, I am so grateful to have spent so much time with her talking about animals, gardening, family, etc. She had a love of life, ever kind and giving. I still remember reading the bible with her at the kitchen table in Lobo when I was a teenager. I will remember her gift to me of my first rescue dog, Joey. I will remember the walks we took and the stories she would tell.
Gertie Thank you for being loving and accepting me into your family and for being a great woman. I am so proud of you and I’m a better man for having had the privilege of having you in my life. You will be missed greatly. I wish I could be there today but will watch the ceremony from Toronto. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with each of you as you remember her.
Mary Jo, Suzanne, Frank, and Martin - May the Lord bless you and keep you in this time of sorrow, reminding you of treasured memories, and the gift of shared love. May he inspire you with the reflection of heaven in earth, And may you feel the Lord with you, walking beside you in the loneliness, taking your hand in the hardest times, and carrying you through the waters of grief. May you be safe and treasured in his hand.
From our family to yours you remain in our prayers.
Jason and Cynthia Peetsma
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Derek Twynstra posted a condolence
Saturday, May 29, 2021
Thoughts and prayers are with the whole family❤️
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Marg Harris pledged to donate to One Book
Saturday, May 29, 2021
With fond memories of a special person.
Gertie is forever in our Memories.
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Rodger L Jackson posted a condolence
Saturday, May 29, 2021
To the Dieleman Family; A sincere heartfelt thanks to all of you for sharing Geertjie with the world. She was a joy to know and a hard working wife, mom and animal activist. Lila and I were blessed to have met her and through her the children and grandchildren. A great Christian lady who wore her faith on her sleeve for all to see. I know that your hearts long for her but rejoice in her reward! God Bless each and every one of you! Especially you Martin. I know the pain of losing the love of my life and I will be praying for you going forward.
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Ed and Diane Twynstra posted a condolence
Saturday, May 29, 2021
Condolences to uncle Martin, Frank,Suzanne, Mary-Jo and families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, cherish the many happy memories to bring you comfort and joy. Hugs Ed and Diane
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Dorothy Macfarlane Posted May 29, 2021 at 11:21 AM
We enjoyed Gertie's sense of humour and her love for each one of us. Her garden was a joy to visit. We will miss her and are praying for all of the family as you grieve her passing. Yet we rejoice with Gertie that she is in heaven with God, free of pain and exploring the new world.
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Klaas Vellinga posted a condolence
Saturday, May 29, 2021
Dear Martin, dear family,
Our thoughts are with all of you, special today and the day’s after.
Now to go without a beloved wife and mom is heavy.
Our prayers are with you.
Greetings from Klaas and Hotty from Heerenveen.
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Serena Moro posted a condolence
Saturday, May 29, 2021
I am saddened to learn of Gertie’s passing. She was a good person. I was grateful for her dedicated care and concern for the dogs and cats of our area and grateful for her time running Lobo Animal Care and Control. She was a valued community member. I know Gertie was a woman of strong faith, and I admired that. She is gone too soon. Sincere condolences, from our family to yours. May Gertie Rest In Peace.
Sincerely,
Serena Moro and family.
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Russ and Grace Branch posted a condolence
Saturday, May 29, 2021
Our deepest sympathies to Gertie's family. We remember Gertie as being very passionate in supporting her family through action and prayer. She was always such a welcoming and caring person to those she met. May God comfort and strengthen you and grant you his peace. Russ and Grace Branch
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Walter McIntyre posted a condolence
Saturday, May 29, 2021
Dear family, my thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve the loss of a wonderful loving wife and mother. Martin, It is hard to think of you being separated, even for a short while, from Gertie. I remember her kindness and the hospitality you both showed to me over the years, especially during the years we served together at the Poplar Hill Christian Church. I pray that God will leave you and your family with the warmest memories of Gertie and that in His time your tears of sadness will be turned into tears of joy. Blessings until we all meet again.
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Mary & Jack Giles posted a condolence
Saturday, May 29, 2021
Dear Martin, Susie, Frank, & Mary Jo,
Our prayers are with you in this time of sadness & grief. Your Mom loved our Lord & Saviour; & Mary had wonderful times of fellowship with her over the years! As we lived directly across the highway from the Dieleman family, we saw how ambitious Martin & Gertie were! Frank & our son Jeff had many good times together.
Gertie was a REAL dog lover. She successfully nursed many, many physically hurt dogs back to health. It was amazing the large numbers of dogs that Gertie cared for over the years! Gertie & Mary enjoyed meaningful times of Christian Fellowship together!
Martin, Frank, Susie & Mary Jo - may Jesus grant you his strength in the coming weeks!
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Suzanne Morgan uploaded photo(s)
Friday, May 28, 2021
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Thank you to Karima for leading Mom’s home care team. Your compassion, determination and inner strength helped Mom to enjoy as much of life as possible throughout the final months.
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Andrew Schroter donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY OF CANADA - SOCIETE ALZHEIMER DU CANADA
Friday, May 28, 2021
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Sandra Vander Schaaf (niece) uploaded photo(s)
Friday, May 28, 2021
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Many lives were changed by the way Gertie Dieleman lived and gave of herself, as daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, entrepreneur. May love surround you as you grieve the loss of this precious life.
Sharing memories...
My childhood memories of Aunt Gertie are mixed, which is what happens when a child is simultaneously in awe of someone but also a little bit scared. I did not have great confidence as a child, and anyone who knows Gertie knows that confidence was rarely (if ever) lacking. In that, she was a wonder to me. Looking back, it is clear that this confidence served her well in her chosen careers and in business. As with all positive qualities, there’s a flip side. Confidence can sometimes resemble fierce intransigence, and that unsettled me from time to time. I recall a visit when I had a raging headache. Aunt Gertie refused to give me Aspirin, making it very clear that a calcium tablet was all I needed. I dared not ask twice. On the bright side, you always knew where you stood with Aunt Gertie!
Reading in the attached obituary that "Gertie often quoted the verse, 'Be still and know that I am God,’ made me smile. She is not a woman I associate with the notion of stillness. I remember her as a woman who rarely stopped, someone who always had multiple tasks on the go, an incredibly hard worker. If we young cousins were visiting, we made ourselves scarce or risked being put to work cleaning, weeding, picking raspberries, or otherwise busied with some useful task. (Note: We were often found.) One especially vivid memory is of a time she was driving us from one place to another and pulled the car onto the loose gravel at the side of the road. With the car barely in park, she jumped out and started chasing an invisible-to-me runaway chihuahua. It was clear to Gertie that the dog wasn’t safe along the busy road and needed care. Everything stopped until that care was properly given. (That same chihuahua bit me later—clear through my finger nail—delaying my own love for animals by a few years.)
In the last few years, Aunt Gertie and I had intermittent contact pretty much exclusively revolving around our shared love of nature. She would send me photos of the views from her walks by the farm and, later, from walks in the ravine near their new home. I would do the same, sharing images of the natural beauty of the West Coast. This was the sweet communion of kindred spirits and I remain grateful for that connection.
The attached photo is a glimpse of the place where I often prayed for her in the last, trying months of her life.
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cees heyboer posted a condolence
Friday, May 28, 2021
oprechte deelneming aan martin en familie wij hebben goede herinneringen aan geertje enhetverblijf in holland ter aar met piet enmartin wij wensen martin en fam sterkte toe om het verlies te dragen cees en christien heyboer
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Sjoukje Reijenga en An Schepers lit a candle
Friday, May 28, 2021
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Sjoukje Reijenga en An Schepers posted a condolence
Friday, May 28, 2021
Dear family: Martin en gezin. Onze oprecht meeleven met het overlijden van jouw vrouw, jullie moeder en grootmoeder en onze nicht Gertie. Een zeer bijzondere vrouw.
Haar geloof / vertrouwen was groot in de Heer en waarin ze veel steun en troost ervaarde.
Een speciale herrinnering voor ons is dat ze zo bijzonder emotioneel was toen ze voor het eerst weer in Nederland was en haar Nederlandse familie ontmoette. Ze kwam in een warm familiebad. Ook hebben we mooie herinneringen aan haar tijdens onze twee vakanties in Canada, Ze was heel gastvrij en positief. Ze hield van veel van mensen en dieren. We zullen haar missen.
laat de goede herinneringen jullie troosten met dit verdriet, veel sterkte allemaal.
liefs van An en Sjoukje Reijenga
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Terri & Paul Clark posted a condolence
Friday, May 28, 2021
Dear Martin, Frank, Suzanne & Mary Jo:
Our thoughts & prayers are with you & your extended families, as you mourn the loss of Gertie.
May memories of happy times together keep her alive in your hearts until we see her again.
Terri (nee:De Vlugt) & Paul Clark
Classmate of Frank's @ SDCI (late 70's/early 80's)
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Linda & Dean Doerr posted a condolence
Friday, May 28, 2021
Sincere condolences to Uncle Martin, and cousins Frank, Suzy, Mary Jo and their families. I have fond memories of Aunt Gertie's smile, love of family (thanks for organizing the family picnics over the years!) and passion for her four-legged friends. Love, Linda & Dean
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Linda Doerr donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY OF CANADA - SOCIETE ALZHEIMER DU CANADA
Friday, May 28, 2021
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Ed Henke donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY OF CANADA - SOCIETE ALZHEIMER DU CANADA
Friday, May 28, 2021
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Heather and Dieter Henke donated to ALZHEIMER SOCIETY OF CANADA - SOCIETE ALZHEIMER DU CANADA
Friday, May 28, 2021
We loved that Gertie became such an important friend to our parents, Ed, and Benita Henke, over the last few years after your parents had moved to Fox Avenue. We knew that she was a spunky and caring person. She will be missed by our family. We send our heartfelt condolences to everyone in your family.
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Julie & Gerry Barclay posted a condolence
Friday, May 28, 2021
We both share your grief during this difficult time with deep Sympathy and Condolences. May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead. Aunt Gertie will be sadly missed by her Family, Friends and Pets...
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Peter & Brenda Boyce posted a condolence
Friday, May 28, 2021
Sad to hear the passing of our friend, Gertie! We didn’t get a chance to say good-bye. Over the years, Gertie kept great care of our dog, Rufus. Even in her retirement! Now she will be taking care of Rufus in heaven. Our condolences to her family. Gertie was one “special” lady! May she Rest In Peace!
Hugs, Peter & Brenda Boyce
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Dave Gast posted a condolence
Friday, May 28, 2021
Gertie attended our Life Group at our home for many years. Her love for The Message version of the Bible will be with us going forward. We will miss her insights and wisdom and delicious snacks!
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Sharon Gast posted a condolence
Friday, May 28, 2021
We were privileged to have Gertie and Martin in our Life Group for many years. Gertie always sat in the same chair, a comfortable one, often after a day of hard work. Our green upholstered swivel chair will always be "Gertie's chair". We have fond memories of our times together.
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Catherine King-Smith posted a condolence
Friday, May 28, 2021
My deepest sympathy to the family of Geertjie. Remembering her great love for looking after the animals. Thank you, Geertjie for your faithful, unwavering, love to care for the wee creatures that needed your help so desperately. You will always be remembered.
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Mary DeKay lit a candle
Friday, May 28, 2021
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Our deepest sympathies to all the Dieleman family. We remember Gertie through our Poplar Hill church community as well as in our local rural township as our animal control officer. She was caring, sympathetic, and full of energy, but also direct and determined. When she knew that an injustice had been committed, she was a true ally. Rest in peace, Gertie. Dave and Mary DeKay
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Julia Twynstra posted a condolence
Friday, May 28, 2021
Our deepest condolences to Uncle Martin, Frank, Suzanne and Mary Jo. Aunt Gertie was such a caring person and she will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. Julia and Peter Twynstra and family.
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Meghan Lee (Pohler) posted a condolence
Friday, May 28, 2021
My deepest sympathies. I have many great memories of Gertie and the whole family. The world has truly lost a great lady who will always have a special place in my heart.
Meghan Lee (Pohler) and family
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Edward and Linda Fox posted a condolence
Friday, May 28, 2021
To Gertie's Family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy in your loss.
Treasure your memories of her and hold them close to your heart where
she will always remain and remember that LOVE never dies.
Sincerely,
Edward and Linda Fox
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Harold & Johanna Postma posted a condolence
Friday, May 28, 2021
Our sincere condolences to the Dieleman and Twynstra families. May the many wonderful memories you have stay with you. We pray for strength and peace during this difficult time. Harold & Johanna Postma
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The family of Geertjie Gertrude Dieleman uploaded a photo
Thursday, May 27, 2021
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