Obituary of Joanne Marie VandenBygaart
VANDENBYGAART: Unexpectedly at University Hospital, on Thursday, February 10th, 2022, Joanne (Johanna) “Anne” (Dejong) VandenBygaart, in her 90th year. Reunited with her dearly loved husband, William “Casey/Kees” (2016) shortly after what would have been their 66th wedding anniversary. Cherished and loved Mom “Moeder” to Harriet (Bill Potters), Ellen (Ron Lakusiak), Will (Jacqui), Trish (Dave Petersen), Bob (Anita), and Bert (Liz). Adored Oma of Lindsay (Chris), Michael (Ada), Mark (Jessica), Meghan, Michael (Manny), Chris, Garret, Trevor, Cole, Lauren, Taylor, Rush, Annie, Beck, Nyall, Hannah, Ava, and Tyler. Proudest Great Oma of Hailey and Hannah. Beloved Tante Annie to many nieces and nephews here and in the Netherlands. Anne will be deeply missed by her older sister Rie, along with beloved in-laws in Holland, as well as her dear friend, Agathe. Predeceased by many dear siblings and in-laws, and infant son, Bertie.
Kees and Anne emigrated to Canada from the Netherlands in 1956. They raised their family for over 50 years in Grand Bend, before moving back to London in their later years. Anne dedicated her life to her family and tending to her award-winning gardens. She had a deep faith and spent many years volunteering with her church through the Catholic Women’s League. Anne spent her final few years as part of the Richmond Woods Retirement community and she loved to talk about how lucky she was to live in such a wonderful place and all the new activities she was enjoying. Anne spent her days nurturing her many plants, reading, and knitting. She always enjoyed “tea time” in the afternoon and the company of her sweet bird, Pietje. She was quite truly the sweetest woman, with an always cheery disposition and the warmest hug. Her trademark naturally jet black hair gave her a timeless elegance that was admired by so many. Her deepest joy was to spend time with family, or chat on the phone with her many grandkids. She was so proud of her family and their accomplishments, and always had a good laugh when we would tease her about how she pronounced certain words. We will always remember the pure sound of love in her voice and the way her face lit up when surrounded by the ones she loved. We will cherish memories of her warm embrace, her soft but hard-working hands, and how she always, always had to wave good-bye.
At Anne’s request cremation has taken place. Visitation will be held at the T. Harry Hoffman & Sons Funeral Home, Dashwood, on Wednesday, February 16, 2022 from 2 to 4 p.m. The Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, Grand Bend on Thursday, February 17, 2022 at 11 a.m. Due to capacity restrictions in the Church, please call the funeral home at 519-237-3532 to reserve your seat. If desired, memorial donations (payable directly) to the Alzheimer’s Society or a charity of choice would be appreciated by the family.
