Alva Mae "Toots" Van Wyk, 89, entered heaven's rest on June 1, 2018. She was the only child born to Marinus J. and Jennie Van Gorp in Pella, Iowa on May 8, 1929. Alva Mae was given the nickname "Toots" when she was very young by the kind next-door neighbor man who was very fond of her. The name stuck. Her parents moved to Denver when she was five years old. She attended Denver Christian School through the 8th grade, then graduated from South High School in 1947. When Bob Van Wyk returned home from the Navy that same year, he found that his childhood acquaintance, Toots, had grown up to be quite a beautiful young lady. They fell in love and were married on September 10, 1948.
Together they raised 4 children: Kenneth, Karen, Mark, and Michael. While raising her children, Toots sold Avon for many years and later worked as a Welcome Wagon Hostess. She would visit new homeowners offering them a gift basket of samples, coupons, and advertising from local businesses.
Toots loved music and played both piano and organ. She was an organist at Second Christian Reformed Church for many years. Her children grew up sitting in the "Reserved for Organist" bench in the 2nd church balcony. One of her greatest joys was leading, organizing and directing the church Handbell Choir. She also loved flowers, especially African violets and tulips, Dutch Delft, and socializing with friends. Her church family and deep faith in God were important aspects of her spiritual life.
In October of 2009, following retirement and declining health, Bob & Toots moved into the Aspen Community of Clermont Park. While still getting settled into their 3rd floor apartment, Bob suffered a massive stroke and died a week later on November 9, his 83rd birthday. To better meet her health needs, Toots moved into the Goldenrod (Memory Support) Community in September 2012, and lived there until her passing.
Toots is preceded in death by her husband and by their son, Michael, who passed away in July 1998, due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. She is survived by her 3 remaining children: Ken (Lucy) Van Wyk of Toronto, Ontario, Karen (Andy) Schilperoort of Sunnyside, WA and Mark (Susan) Van Wyk of Morrison, CO; 8 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren and14 great-grandchildren.
As a committed wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, she will be missed and dearly remembered.
As a family, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Clermont Park and to the caregivers on 2nd floor who loved and cared for this precious child of God.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a memorial donation to Clermont Park. You can do so by sending a check payable to "Christian Living Communities" and designating "Clermont Park" in the memo. Send to Christian Living Communities, 7000 E. Belleview Ave. #150, Greenwood Village, CO 80211 or online at www.ChristianLivingCommunities.org.
