Yvette Middelaer

Yvette Middelaer (nee Dezentje) passed away peacefully on the first day of Spring, March 21, 2024 at 91 years of age. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, John Middelaer, her four children, Jon Middelaer, Daphne Johanson (Guy), Melissa Redlich (Bernie), and Michael Middelaer (Laurel) and her three grandchildren: Jenna Redlich, Jessica Redlich and Christian Middelaer. Yvette was predeceased by her granddaughter, Alexa Renée Middelaer. Yvette delighted in her family as she selflessly and kindly took keen interest in every aspect of their lives, including their extended friendship circles. As a result, she is beloved by all those who touched the Middelaer, Redlich and Johanson realm. Her thoughtful questions and precise knowledge of each individual showed her depth of understanding and care; those known by Yvette will sincerely miss her–she was a rare gem.

Yvette was truly an international woman who dwelled in three countries, spoke three languages with wit and charm, and travelled extensively. Born on the island of Java in the Dutch East Indies (Indonesia) on September 15, 1932, she lived the true plantation lifestyle with her parents and grandparents, enjoying the elegance and care of her close knit family. Her young life was interrupted by the events of WWII as the Dutch East Indies were occupied, and Yvette and her family were interned during these frightening, challenging years. When the war was over, Yvette’s parents sent her to Holland to Baarn where she attended Baarnsch Lyceum for her high school years. It was at this same school where Yvette met John, who had shared a similar war experience in the Dutch East Indies resulting in a shared resiliency and bravery.

Moving to Canada to start a new life resulted in family homes in Winnipeg, Calgary and finally in Surrey, BC. Most of her life was lived in Calgary where she raised her family, establishing deep and lasting roots in this special community. Yvette demonstrated incredible adaptability and added her own special touch to each locale. Her homes were a reflection of her vast global interest with artifacts and special finds. Yvette was a dedicated mother and proudly invested in her four children, each one uniquely supported on their individual path. She was a fierce lover of animals, and provided her delicate care to many rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, and cats. Yvette delighted in her grandchildren and was affectionately known as their loving “Mamie”. Mamie ably learned to text and embrace social media- she was truly hip, current and connected.

Yvette experienced some significant health challenges, and showed that quiet resilience and silent determination and bravery in all ways. Her cheery and genuine warmth to her caregivers are a reflection of her gracious elegance and charm. Her indelible wit and humorous insight into others were cherished by her family, and will warm our memories as we miss this incredible spirit.

For those that would like to honour Yvette, please consider making a donation to Myeloma Canada in her name, at https://myeloma.ca/get-involved/ways-to-give/

Our understanding is that Yvette was one of the longest living myeloma patients, and battled this with deep courage.