With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Toni O’Keefe after a brief illness. She died surrounded by love and with eagles circling the clear blue sky. Toni was born in Amersfoort, Holland and Immigrated to Alberta as a young child. She was proud of her Dutch heritage and “The West” where she lived for 30 years. When it came to work, Toni liked to say that she wore many hats. She was employed at RBC, ran several successful home-based businesses, managed rental properties and worked hard on the family farm. For 35 years she enjoyed being a School Bus Driver. She cared very much for ‘her kids’ and enjoyed as the years went by, she was driving the children of her first riders. Toni loved raising her family on a hobby farm near Carlow before moving to Goderich. In both homes she spent many happy hours in her beautiful gardens. Toni will be remembered for being kind, friendly, generous and having the best laugh.
Toni was a proud and loving Mom and will be deeply missed by her children Erin (Mark) Van Diepenbeek of Port Albert and Joseph Jr. of Sydney, Australia. She leaves her cherished Grandchildren, Evelyn and Ira Van Diepenbeek, with many happy memories of time spent with their Oma.
A friend to many, Toni will be especially missed by Grace DePutter and her family.
Predeceased by her parents, Aart and Anthonia Van Meeteren and step-mother Antoinette. Toni is survived by her siblings Anne (Bob) Bordeniuk, Evertdiena (Karl) Hueneburg, Mary (Ken) Morash, Art, Ron (Cindy) and their families. Writing long letters, marathon phone calls and visits to the West kept her close with her family.
She will be remembered fondly by Joe O’Keefe, his siblings Marianne (John) Gallant, Nancy (Dave) Anstett, Kathleen, Tom (Rebecca), RoseMarie, the late John (Shelley) and their families.
Toni’s family would like to thank the medical staff at AMGH Emerg and 2nd floor for their compassionate care.
At Toni’s request there will be no visitation or funeral. Cremation has taken place. Her beautiful life will be celebrated later this year.
As expressions of sympathy, please consider donating to Huron Hospice, a Charity Toni volunteered with. Toni would also want you to make sure to ‘shower the people you love with love.’
Shared by Helena ( Leny) Wagenaar
Shared by Deirdre Lyttle
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).
Leslie McNeil
I was so sorry to hear of Toni’s passing. My condolences to her family and friends. She was my boys’ bus driver in the younger grades. She was very kind and helped the little ones just starting school feel comfortable. My oldest boy used to love space when he was little. Toni once gave him a book about space. He is now 17 and still remembers this kindness.
Andrew Montgomery
I had the pleasure of driving school bus with Toni for close to three years. She was such a great coworker and person to everyone. My deepest condolences to her family. Thank you for your help when I first came on board Toni,it has never gone unforgotten. Rest easy
Tessa O’Brien
This is such a hard thing to hear Toni was one of my favourite bus drivers! She was the sweetest lady! So many memories from colborne with her. Condolences to the families she will truly be missed by many ❤️
Paul & Nancy May
“Tony” was always a gracious and encouraging person. We became friends through school bus driving and our Radiant Life Bookstore. One of the more positive people who brought light into our day. God bless the family and sincerest condolences.
Tom & Carol Cheverie
Please accept our most sincere condolences.
Doug Yeo
Erin & Joe, my sincere condolences to you and your family. I would meet your mother a few times over the years in Goderich and have a chat to catch up on what you were doing. She was so proud of you both and what you were doing. She always talked of her bus driving duties and how much she enjoyed it. Her positive influence will be missed.
Karla Hogan
Toni was a lovely lady who always friendly and ready to chat when we’d meet. My condolences and prayers to all of your family.
Deirdre Lyttle
Dearest Toni, you were a true friend to me for so many years. We met on a street corner near where we both lived in SE Calgary. We were both 16 years of age and basically grew up together. We were best friends for all those years. I moved to Australia and we still kept in constant contact with each other even though the miles separated us. The last time I saw you was in the summer of 2012 when we took a drive to Canmore for lunch. We stopped at Chief Hector Lake in Morley on the Stoney Nakoda Reserve with beautiful views of the mountains to the west (photos attached). We shared many laughs, tears and joy over the years that I will never forget. I now have to walk this path of friendship alone which saddens me. I won’t say goodbye so I will say “I love you” and you will be with me always and forever.
Julie and Sylvain Babin
To Toni’s Family
Please accept our most sincere condolences. Toni will be truly missed by all that knew her.
Floyd Herman
It was a genuine pleasure to work with Toni at Colborne School. Toni always treated the kids with fairness and a caring respect, and in return, they respected her. Our condolences to your family.
Evertdiena Hueneburg
Will always miss you very much. I will always remember all the good times. Love from your loving Sister.
Diena
GRACE DEPUTTER
Toni was my dear friend unlike any other.
Such a big part of my life.
We shared so many wonderful times together that will forever be planted in my memory.
She had a zest for life, was a caring and loving Mother, Oma and friend.
I will miss you always.
You will always be in my heart. ❤️
Lesley Walker
I am heartbroken to read of this beautiful woman’s passing. Anytime we would meet on the street we would laugh till we cried. Love and prayers to you all at this time .
Rebekka van Meeteren (Abbenbroek)
Tony was a Beautiful person as she went to school close to me and her Uncle Tony she would stop in and peel Patato,s for me over the years we shared many a time with her and sister Ann They were fun Tony had a giving heart she would help were she could.
You will be missed by all I always stopped in to she her,and we go out to have lunch together when I would come to Godrich Rest in Peace Tony Love you always Aunt Rebekka
Jane Kerr
Erin, Mark and family I am so sorry for your loss of Toni, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dennis and JoAnn Yule
Our Condolences to the family. May happy memories of Toni, give you comfort at this said time.
Sharon Brown
Toni will be remembered by our group of friends for her laughter, joy and humour. We shared many fun times together singing around the campfire, dancing and having great talks. She will be missed. My condolences to all of her family. Sharon Brown
Maureen Redmond
To Mark, Erin, Evelyn and Ira. I am so very sorry for your great loss. God bless🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Sharon Jerome
Toni will truly be missed. We took Hospice volunteer training together. I always enjoyed her beautiful smile and generous laughs. Soar high, dear Toni.
Sharon Jerome
charley ad Anne Zondervan
Such good memeories of chats with Toni. So sorry for your loss Erin and family and Joe.
Our deepest condolences as you go through this sad journey.
Praying for you and your family.
Joan Campbell
I will miss our coffee breaks and long phone visits these last couple of years. She was a great lady.
Anita Frayne
To all of Toni’s Family:
Please accept my condolences at this sad time. I always enjoyed my conversations with Toni. She was cheerful and had a natural interest in what everyone was doing. She will be missed.
Anita Frayne
Helena ( Leny) Wagenaar
I met you thru Grace and we always shared a little bit of Dutch when we met. Joked about it and had good laughs. Thanks Toni. We will miss you.
Kathleen Curran
My condolences to Toni’s family. I have know Toni for many years. She always had a smile and time for a chat . I had just seen her about a month ago at Vals and had a short visit with her. She will be missed.
Robyn Ross
I loved to chat with Toni, she had a great laugh.
When I was her neighbour I envied her gardens.
Will miss breakfast chats with you Toni
Robyn
Julie and Sylvain Babin
To Toni’s Famiy
Please accept our most sincere condolences Toni will be greatly missed by all that knew her.
Helen Lapp
Sincere condolences to her family, she was a wonderful lady.
Thinking of you 💕💕
Keith and Helen Lapp
Eric & Dianne Drennan
So sorry to hear of Toni passing, She was a wonderful person . My kids and grandchildren had her as a bus driver and she was one of the best!
John Orr
Toni and I drove school buses.
She was fun to work with and dedicated to making sure that her passengers made it home to school and school to home safely…
Toni will missed by many!
Gayle and Barron Purser
We extend our sincere sympathy , in your loss.
Sincerely Gayle and Barron (Barney)
Jim and Patricia Martin
Dear Family: We always enjoyed chatting with Toni. I worked with Toni at Huron Hospice and enjoyed her company. Toni will be missed. Please accept our sincerest sympathy.