Tolliena Van Grootheest

Peacefully and in her sleep our dear wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother-to-be was brought into Glory and now is enjoying eternity with her Saviour. After a courageous battle with cancer and surrounded by loved ones, Tolliena passed away on December 7, 2023 at the age of 68, on her wedding anniversary and 2 days shy of her birthday.

Born to Jim+ and Johanna Stienstra, the 2nd oldest child of 5, and raised in Fergus, Ontario she moved across the country to Smithers BC after she married her teenage sweetheart Gerry. During the Smithers and Neerlandia years they raised 4 children, saw them each marry and have kids of their own.

Mom had a great ability to make every space she was in tidy and cozy, whether it was her home, her yard, and their garden. Mom was an extremely hard worker; the rare times she sat down were to enjoy a book and a coffee or maybe a visit with a close family member.

In her final days, she took great joy and comfort in the many expressions of support given by so so many in the Neerlandia community. The prayers, meals, flowers and cards of support from family, church and community members, staff and the students from Neerlandia Public Christian School lifted her up daily.

While we rejoice that she no longer is in pain we grieve her loss. Tolliena is survived by her dear mother, her husband Gerry, children Jody & Marc, Jeff & Marcia, Kevin & Sherry, Heidi & Ken, grandchildren Benjamin, Evan, Mikaia, Jayden & Ali, Lucas, Aaron, Hannah, Jared, Keira, Ian, Zoey and Joslyn, and one great grandchild ‘on the way’.

In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the Canadian Cancer Foundation.

A funeral service for Tolliena will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, December 15, 2023 at Neerlandia Christian Reformed Church.