Gjeesje Timmerman Van Engen

VAN ENGEN, Gjeesje - Gjeesje Timmerman was born in Hoogeveen to Jan en Gjeesje Timmerman, one of 10 children. In 1951, in the Netherlands, she married the love of her life, Willem van Engen. With their first born Marty in tow, they immigrated to Canada in 1953. She missed her family in Holland very much, but the strong and tough person that she was, she created her new life in Canada and became a dedicated mother, raising her children Marty, John, Janet, Audrey and Susan. Gjeesje's love language was doing things for others. As a young mom she was happiest tending to her family by working in the vegetable garden, cooking for large family gatherings, sewing clothes, watching hockey, cleaning her immaculate clean house, singing in the church choir, volunteering at Chedoke Hospital and having family and friends over for her famous yellow cake. Tragically, her husband died when she was 50 years old. In spite of this loss she soldiered on with a strong independent spirit. When her children left the family home and she moved to a retirement village, she continued volunteering by knitting hats and scarves for family and various organizations as well as volunteering at a local thrift store. She also enjoyed her daily swim with her friends, going to church weekly and seeing her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jessie had a feisty spirit which did her so well most times. She enjoyed sharing her opinions about hockey, church life and family matters. Family and friends will miss her sense of humour.

On Saturday, September 25th, 2021, Gjeesje, or Jessie as she was called in Canada, went to be with her Lord and Saviour at the age of 90. She was predeceased by her loving husband Willem her sisters Mannie, Jannie, Hennie and brothers Harm, Tinus, Cor, Roelof, Jan en Henk,

Gjeesje will be dearly missed by her children Marty (Geri), John (Aukje), Janet (Chris), Audrey (Paul) and Susan (Tom), her grandchildren Michelle (Michael), Ryan (Sarah), David (Stephanie), Michael, William (Jessica), Julie and great-grandchildren Ella, Rose, Adiah and Noah. Special thanks to Dr. Smith and his team, in particular Jennifer as well, the Bayshore Homecare team and St Joseph's Health Care palliative care team. Their compassion and care for mom has been an enormous comfort to the family.

Cremation has taken place and a private service will be held on November 7th, 2021 at Gilbert MacIntyre & Son Funeral Home, Dublin Chapel.

As an expression of sympathy, donations to the Missions Thrift Store Hamilton would be appreciated by the family. Donations and condolences are available online at https://www.gilbertmacintyreandson.com/