Our beloved Greta went home into the loving arms of her Lord and Saviour abruptly on February 15, 2022 as the result of a car accident outside of Hensall, ON.
Greta (Geeltje van der Veen) is loved by her husband, John. Loving mother of Calvin (Jane) Zwaan, Loretta Zwaan, and Valerie (Sam) Beckford. Adoring Oma of Kelsey, Kailey, John James, Anna-Lise; Isabella, Benjamin, and Alexander. Lovingly remembered by her family, Jerry (Rolla) van der Veen, Melvin (Hazel) van der Veen, Joe (Mary Ann) van der Veen, Rick (Marie) van der Veen, Shirley LaFrance, Jane (Danny) Kuchta, and Carol (Denis) Wynowski and many nieces and nephews. Greta is predeceased by her infant son David Alexander, parents Marie (Martje Vaatstra) and Alex (Eelke) van der Veen and brother Albert van der Veen.
Born, March 28, 1939 in Veenwouden, Friesland, the Netherlands, Greta was the second born of nine children. She was around nine years old when she, her parents, and three siblings moved to Canada in search of a better life. Growing up she was her mother’s right-hand girl, helping with all the household chores and with the siblings who came after her. As a young teenager she went to work as a housekeeper, then on to work at Imperial Cloth and Spinrite in Listowel, ON. The skills and tenacity she learned from the early years would be put to good use all her life.
In 1955 she caught the eye of John Zwaan at a Sunday School picnic in Bayfield, ON and dated him for four years. Their romance would become a 63-year-long endearing one. They began married life in 1959 in Clinton, ON, then moved to their own farm north of Brucefield, ON a few years later. They would welcome four children, sadly losing their son, David, in his first days of life.
In 1973 Greta was involved in a car accident that nearly took her life at that time. But, in answer to John’s prayers, God mercifully spared her life, causing John to follow the Lord’s leading to serve Him in full-time ministry. In 1974 John and Greta moved, with their three children, to Three Hills, AB to pursue theological studies at Prairie Bible Institute. After graduation, John and Greta would serve the Lord in 5 churches: in Delburne, AB; Central Wickham, NB; Port Hawkesbury, NS; Grand Manan Island, NB; and Bath, NB.
Greta and John partnered together to meet the needs of their church families and their surrounding communities for 40 years. A few years after John retired from his last church in Bath, they returned home to Ontario where they settled in Exeter. Even in retirement, they continued to be active in ministry, visiting the elderly and caring for their community.
Greta had many loves. She was passionately loved by her husband John, her children and their spouses and all her grandchildren. She loved her family and her husband’s family equally. She loved to write letters and cards full of encouragement as well as stories, prose and poetry. So great was her love of writing that she wrote and published two books about her life in Canada. Some of her stories were published in Chicken Soup for the Soul. She loved to garden, especially flowers that overfilled her yard each summer. She particularly loved to collect cookbooks and try new recipes. She loved to freeze, can, pickle and preserve. Greta’s pantry would outlast any apocalypse! She loved a bargain and she could never pass up or pass by a good yard sale. She also loved volunteering at the semi-annual fundraiser for the local hospital at the town’s arena, enjoying selling her “wares” to anyone who went past her table.
Greta’s dedication to her Lord was recognized by all who met her, opening her home and heart to countless people across the country. She loved working alongside John in the ministry, hosting special teas for the senior ladies in their churches and teaching Sunday School and reaching out to the young adults. She always gave her time to anyone to listen, to talk, to pray, to offer a meal or assistance. She became a friend to many and a fervent prayer warrior, especially in her latter years when her health started to decline. But Greta’s greatest love was her Saviour, Jesus Christ. She shared the story of His salvation to everyone she met, faithfully remembering them by name in prayer.
As the author of Proverbs ended his book with a tribute to his mother, so do we: “Favour is deceitful and beauty is vain: but a woman who feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.” Prov 31:30.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Angela & David Outhouse
Loretta and family, I just came across this news on FB by accident. Sorry to hear of your loss but thankful we knew your Mum and Dad while they worked here on Grand Manan. Prayers for John’s peace and adjustment till God calls him home. May your memories comfort you in the weeks ahead.
Jan Kooistra
Lieve Jan Zwaan en familie,
Onze welgemeende condoleances. We herinneren ons Greta als een hartverwarmende, sociaal geïnteresseerde persoonlijkheid die je direct als vriendin in je vriendenkring wilde opnemen. We zijn erg dankbaar en gelukkig met het feit dat we haar hebben mogen ontmoeten bij jullie bezoeken aan Friesland en we jullie van Schiphol mochten ophalen. We wensen Jan en de familie veel sterkte met het dragen van dit verlies. Jullie zijn niet alleen… Fijn dat jullie de gelegenheid hebben gecreëerd om de memorial service van over de oceaan te kunnen meebeleven.
Jan, Sjoukje, Mirjam en Tessa Kooistra; Eastermar; Fryslân.
Sjouke Jukema
John and Family, Ruth and I are very saddened with the passing of Greta,(mom and wife) she was a dear friend and confidant to us in our time of need. By now our needs are not important as the need of your family for comfort and the leading of the Holy Spirit to comfort you to your needs. We are very saddened by her loss, but what we have lost Our Lord and Saviour has gained for now where she is there is no more pain, only comfort and blessings for her rightful place in Heaven. To John and family make God give you strength and comfort. Ruth and Sjouke Jukema
Fred Carson
John: Greta was a wonderful, faithful woman. It has been a long time since our days in Delburne, but I have never forgotten the times of fellowship I had with you and Greta. You and your family will certainly miss her and you will grieve, but I also know your grief will be underscored by the living hope, Jesus Christ,
Jean Crerar
Brookside Place will never be the same without Greta. They lived across the street from me, and many times I would look out my front door to see John cleaning his bright red car, and Greta working in her flower bed. She loved to garden. Such a good neighbor, and is truly missed here at Brookside Place.
Jerry &Linda Traquair
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Nadene Bedell
Deepest sympathies to John, the children and families on the passing of dear Greta. Her faith and constant prayers for all who knew her are so appreciated. May the glory of this Resurrection Sunday be a blessing to you all.
Cees en Renske van der Weij
Beste Jan,
Via de facebook pagina van Loretta kwamen wij erachter dat jij en Greta een ernstig ongeluk hebben gehad, waarbij Greta helaas is overleden en jij ernstig gewond raakte.
We willen jou en je familie laten weten dat wij met jullie meeleven. Gecondoleerd met het overlijden van je vrouw. We wensen jullie veel sterkte en de kracht van God voor de komende tijd. We hopen ook dat jij volledig mag herstellen. We zullen voor jullie bidden,
Groeten,
Cees en Renske van der Weij (Kampen, Nederland)
Carolyn Veldhuis
To Calvin and family……I am saddened to hear of this accident and the passing of your Mom and Grandma to your children.
My condolences to you and all your family, especially your Dad.
Your Mom sounds like a beautiful person who has given you a wonderful legacy .
Jordan brown
On behalf of the Browns (June Cathy Jordan) from bath, NB we send our condolences to John and family during this time. We cherished the time we spent with Greta in bath.
David and Susannah Shantz
To John, his children and grandchildren we share our condolences. As a wife, mother and grandmother Greta was an example of courage, wisdom and perseverance. We remember how her commitment to Jesus Christ motivated her to be an example of integrity, morality and courage in the community. She arrived in Canada with her parents and brothers and sisters as a young girl after the 2nd WW and began the argent task of learning English. Her passion for the beauty and the complexities of life motivated to write poetry and book in which she vividly recorded her experiences. Her sense of humour and wit meant that the conversations around the table were lively and full of laughter. She was a faithful friend and soulmate to John and so many people , through the best of times and the worst of time, through riches and poverty , sickness and health. We will miss her. May each of us desire to follow her example as she followed the Lord Jesus Christ. Our prayers are with John and his family.
Anne Hardman
I am positive I went to school with Greta! Peffers Public School, and I’m sure Mrs. Waddell would have been our teacher. My name at that time was Annie Kuepfer, now Hardman. I was a cousin to Lydianne,, Harold and Adeline Kuepfer (DeBrouwer). I would appreciate if you passed this on to Gretas family.
My sympathies and prayers to the family. I just recently lost my sister Mary and it is hard.
Annie Hardman
Dale Greer
John and Family;
Charlotte and I send you our deepest sympathies. Trusting that she is at home with her Lord and that there will one day be a great reunion, we are saddened yet rejoice. Blessings to all your family.
Donna ( Heywood) Regier
John & entire family
So saddened to hear of this terrible accident that took your Wife & children’s mother. Please know , you are in my thoughts and prayer’s.
Sandra Strang
Dear John and Family: I was heartbroken to hear the news of Gretta’s passing and I extend my deepest sympathy. I always considered Greta a dear friend and I so much enjoyed working with her at the Housewares table of the South Huron Hospital Rummage sale. Greta was so pleasant and helpful and was happy to sort silverware into matched bundles or make up ‘grab bags’ of odds and ends. We met again at One Care exercise class where she and John made me fell welcome. I recall how John and Greta teased each other in such a kind way and how they talked about putting up preserves together all summer long. I also recall something about ‘goop’. Greta was a wonderful, inspiring person and will be missed by so many of us who had the privilege of knowing her.
Ruth & Neil Lemckert Bell
Our condolences to John and the family. We remember Greta fondly from their time at Bath United Baptist Church. They were so energetic and full of love for the Lord. Greta is resting now in the everlasting arms. May your memories comfort you at this time.
Laura Markus-Guy
Wishing you peace, comfort, and courage during this time of sorrow. I know Aunt Greta will be reunited with her parents and my Dad and will be keeping a watchful eye over her loved ones.
Laura Markus-Guy (VanderVeen-Markus) and family.
John and Ruth Timmermans
Sorry of the passing of Greta .
Marrianne McDougall
Our deepest condolences to all of the Zwann family . Words cannot express how sorry we are about the loss of Greta. Please accept our heartfelt condolences in this difficult time in this difficult time. Lois-Anne & Terry Smith and Troy & Marrianne McDougall
nancy brand
John & family our deepest sympathy in the loss of greta, john our wishes for you that you may continue to heal and be home soon our best wishes Hans & Nancy
Ruth Borthistle
Our love and prayers at this sad time of losing Greta. How my parents LOVED her and John!
Love,
Ruth Powles Borthistle
Rene and Monique Vanbruwaene
To John and the family,
I personally did not Greta, but my parents did. I’m sending their thoughts, prayers and deep condolences. They shared with me how beautiful a couple you both were and how Greta will truly be missed. May you find peace and comfort in knowing you will see each other again, in the loving arms of the Father. Keep each other close as you heal and share beautiful memories.
Marina Jaques
John and family
Keeping you close in thought and prayer as you mourn Greta’s sudden death. I have fond memories of our many evenings together with dominos, coffee and snacks. When at your home there was always one of Greta’s new recipes to sample. Her friendship will always be a treasured gift. May God be with you John, as you continue your road to recovery.
Marina J
Dawn
God has received the most beautiful Angel to work by his side. Aunt Greta always told us she would pray for us and ask God to watch over us. Now we have our own guardian Angel. Full of acceptance and kindness this lady was the true epitome of love
You will be missed greatly but I breathe a little easier knowing I have her guiding me
Pete and Deb Timmermans
Sincere condolences to John and the rest of the family…..
Loree
John and family we are sad for you all – such an amazing part of your life no longer with you. We loved our time at Prairie and cherish the time we had together. Greta’s time here is over but you can look forward to eternity with her! Valerie, we especially enjoyed you as Vanessa’s playmate and I am always encouraged, Loretta, when I read your Facebook posts. God will keep you all until you are again with wife and mom. Our prayers and love ❤️
Phil & Gracie Welch
We were so sad to hear of Greta’s passing. She was such a blessing and encouragement in so many peoples lives, and we were no exception.
May God be your comfort and strength during this difficult time. Our prayers are with you all.
Phil & Gracie Welch
Gabbie and Margaret Nol
Our sincere condolences with the loss of Greta Our prayers are with you
Beth Jennison
Greta was a wonderful neighbour to my mom, Jean Crerar. Always had a friendly hello to me when I would come to visit mom. She even showed me her “secret garden”. She will be missed by everyone on Brookside Place. l am wishing John a full recovery and my sympathy to your family on the sad loss of Greta. Beth Jennison
Tracey
Greta was my Aunt & was a beautiful, wonderful soul. Always loving, happy, supportive & had a smile that would warm even the coldest heart.
Non judgmental, kind, funny, everything you want in a person. She will DEFINITELY be missed.
Evelyn Vincent
To John and all of Greta’s family
sincere sympathy. A wonderful lady who is home with Jesus. May God grant peace and comfort