Vander Kooi Geertje "Gay". May 4, 1916 - March 12, 2014. Gay Vander Kooi went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 12 at the age of 97. Mom was born on May 4, 1916 in Bergum, Friesland (The Netherlands). She married Dirk on October 12, 1944 and immigrated to Canada in 1950. They settled down on a farm in Yarrow where they raised their 5 children. They attended 1st CRC in Abbotsford where she sang in the church choir. After 23 years in Yarrow, they relocated to another farm in Chilliwack where some of the family continues to farm. Mom filled her life with family and friends. She always offered her help and loved playing games with them all. Mom also saw God's beauty in nature, loved the mountains and would often say, don't forget to smell the roses and count your many blessings. Many were blessed by her sweet smile, quick wit, kindness and love for all. She stole the hearts of everyone, calling them all by her favorite endearment, "HONEY". Mom will be lovingly remembered by her children Stuart (Shirley), Gary (Flo), Linda (Glen) and David (Fran); 16 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; her brother Klaas (Sjoukje) in Holland and many other relatives and friends. She was predeceased by her husband Dirk, daughter Jean, son-in-law Pat and grandson Tim. A Celebration of Life Service was held at 1:30 pm on Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at Cornerstone Christian Reformed Church, 9800 McNaught Road; Rev. Bill Veenstra officiating. Mom was laid to rest in Chilliwack Cemeteries. Special thanks to the nurses and doctors at both Chilliwack Hospital and Cascade Hospice for all your kind and gentle care during Mom's time there. Memorial donations may be made in Gay's name to Ruth and Naomi's Mission. Online condolences may be offered at www.woodlawn-mtcheam.ca.
Woodlawn Mt. Cheam Funeral Home
45865 Hocking Ave., Chilliwack BC V2P 1B5 604-793-4555