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.
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annehubb
Harriet, Ellen, Trish, William and Albert. I am so very sorry to hear of your moms unexpected passing. Hugs to you all. What a wonderful woman she was.The thing I remember most about her was her everlasting smile. I dont think I ever saw her without a big smile on her face. May she rest in peace. Anne Vlasman Hubbert
Trevor Kobe
Please accept my condolences on her passing. Your mother had a tremendous energy and life force. She was a wonderful matriarch for your family. I remember well her care packages when we were at Laurier and I can still hear her voice in my mind when she would tell me to “say Hi to Will” if I was delivering said care package to Waterloo. Your Mom and Dad have a lot to be proud of.
Donna McQueen
My dear Harriet and all of the family
I am saddened to hear of your mom’s passing. Growing up so present in each other’s lives, Anne was like a second mother to me. I have so many precious memories of playing at your home and being treated like one of the family. We had a wonderful childhood together, thanks to our kind and caring parents. Sending hugs and love to all
Donna Couckuyt McQueen
Janie Rother
Dear Ellen & Family:
Condolences on the recent loss of your mother. In reading the beautiful obituary the family created, I feel I got a true sense of what an exceptional woman she was.
I am certain that all the wonderful memories you all have, will help get you through the coming difficult days.
With sincere sympathy,
Janie Rother
Tony vlasman
Our sincere condolences to the Vandenbygaart family from Annie Vlasman and family.
Martin and Lia vandenberk
Our condolences goes out to the whole Vandenbygaart Families. !
Of course we have known the Family for a long time ! Our kids and theirs
went to the same School , and they very active in their sports too,
Went to the same Church, and volunteerd a lot together.
The families were really good people and loved by all.
It was so nice to have known them. as an excample to all of us.
Martin and Lia Vandenberk ( Florida. )
Catherine Harrison
Dear Harriet, Ellen, Bill, Trish, Bob and Bert and kids and extended family:
Matt and I send our warmest and sincere condolences to you all. We loved Oma and enjoyed being able to see her, chat with her, and, of course, HUG her, at all the family events we’ve been privileged to be part of over the years. What a fantastic time we all had last August! So grateful for that beautiful day.
Regretfully, we can’t be with you on Thursday, but we will be watching and thinking of her (and Opa) and what a lovely legacy they have left in all of you.
Sending love to you all,
Catherine xoxoxo
Jacqui & Charlie Regier
Dear Harriet , Ellen , Trish and the entire Family, I am sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved Mother and Grandma, I had the pleasure of cutting her hair when your Dad would bring her out,and yes she had that beautiful natural black hair…For many years we would get our Christmas trees from your family, and go inside and say Hi to your Mom, they where a very special couple.. They are together once again… hang onto your wonderful memories… you are in our thought at this very sad time … with sympathy, Jacqui & Charlie Regier
Trudy Groenestege
We extend our sincere condolences to the Vanden Bygaart family. We are so sorry for your loss.
I have such wonderful memories of our times together, beginning in Grand Bend and over so many years. We had so much fun. I was glad to be able to keep in touch through visits and phone calls, especially over the past few years. I will really miss my dear friend.
Coby (Koos) Vanden Boomen and family
Paul Augustine
To the family: I am very saddened to hear about Joanne. Please accept my condolences at this time.
Paul Augustine,
Thedford, 2012 Sarnia-Lambton Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
Anna-Maria Cluff
Dear Jacqui, Bill and Family,
We are saddened by the news of Bill’s Mother passing. She sounded like a wonderful woman who lived a full and joyous life. Our sincere condolences. May you find peace in the many happy memories of times shared you hold in your heart.
Anna & David Cluff
Ramona Dunn
My deepest condolences to the family
Don and Janet Kobe
Salt of the earth family ! We have been blessed to know Anne and Kees and most of the family since moving to Grand Bend in 1972. Weekly trips to buy eggs and once a year to cut down a Christmas tree and have a chat with Anne and Kees. Good memories ! keep the torch burning children!
Don and Janet Kobe
Tony and Fran
This is such a beautiful, well written obituary and describes so well the lovely person we knew as Annie. We send our sincere condolences to her family and will keep you in our prayers. May she Rest In Peace.
Tony and Frances Relouw
John and Rita Smits
We so sorry to hear of Anne’s passing. Your mom touched so many people with her faith and kindness. We are keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers
Audrey
Sincere condolences for the loss of your dear mom, oma and great oma. You are in my thoughts as you adjust to this big change and empty space in your lives. I am glad I was able to get to know her a little bit over the many years I have been friends with Ellen. Best wishes, Audrey Vanden Heuvel
Harriet Vander Burgt
Condolences to the entire family on the loss of your mom. She was a lovely woman always ready with a smile and a warm welcome. Keeping you all in my prayers❤️ Harriet Vander Burgt