Dear Sharon and Sasha,
My sincerest condolences to you in the loss of your lovely mom, Gerda.  I only just learned of her passing, and am sorry that I missed the opportunity to attend the funeral.
Every time I had conversation with your mom, there was always laughter.  And the laughter had different sides - sometimes it was just something funny, but other times it was something either so ironic or so ridiculous that the only thing we could do was laugh!
Your mom was kind, and wise - very wise. I loved listening to her stories about earlier times when she was young married and would meet with other women for coffee klatches.
I respected, your mom very much. She gave me advice and she also lifted me up by her words of encouragement, not only for me, but also for my family.
Your mom had an extremely common-sense approach to faith and Christianity. She would see hope in the darkest situation. I can still hear her now ...  "Well, you know ..."

Mom was so loved.  
Thank you friends & family. 

❤️ Sharon & Sasha

Dear Sharon and Sasha and of course Alexandra

Your dear mother, grandmother, my dear aunt is no longer here. How I have always enjoyed Gerda, my dear aunt Gerda.
We were always warmly welcomed when we visited Canada. Those were wonderful holidays. Lots of laughter, enthusiastically played games, delicious food, listened to music and much more. And no one could say my name 'Jan Willem' so beautifully and a bit angry and then burst out laughing if I had told her something. It was always nice to call her or receive a call from her.

Gerda was unique, she was helpful, quite dominant, caring, loving, attentive, good cook, energetic, fanatical, full of humor, positive. In short: a wonderful person.

When I think about her, I can only remember positive things and smile. 
Thanks Gerda!

Dear Sharon, Sasha and Alexandra, my condolences on the death of Gerda. Of course also on behalf of Ineke and Aard.

Jan Willem van der Linde

The Probus Club of Ancaster was very sorry to hear of Gerda’s passing. At one time she was a consistent participant in our club’s activities. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.

Hi Sharon and Sasha, I remember your mom fondly. We had plenty of laughs when we prepared Sunday school lessons together - wasn't that a long time ago!  After I moved away from Ancaster, your parents and mine spent a lot of time together, and I would see your folks on my visits home. There was always lots of laughter. 
I'm sure you have many warm and goofy memories of Gerda to comfort you in your loss. 
Blessings! 

Ann McRae, Dundas

We will miss our dear friend Gerda. She was fun and a pleasure to be with. We will miss her many calls  to us.  Her positive attitude was always a great encouragement. Her hospitality was over the top.
Condolences to Sharon, Sasha and Alexandra (Alexandra, you were her pride and joy) 

Blessings to you all.
Pastor Paul & Sandi Silver

Our condolences to Sharon,Sasha and Alexandera
It is fitting for us to remember Gerda at this time of year. My wife Heleena and I owned a cottage next to Sharon's on Georgian Bay. 
During Thanksgiving Gerda and Igor would come up for the long weekends. Usually on the Saturday neighbours would gather at our place for a series of games which took most of the afternoon. The next day about twenty people carrying food gathered at a neighbours house that had a large kitchen table. Gerda was often the life of the gathering. Even though there is only a decade between her age and mine, they demanded the kind of respect one usually shows their parents. I am sure that there were times that we got a little carried away but they did not judge. A truly remarkable couple and Gerda was the leader. 
We are pleased to think of her as a dear friend. Ed and Heleena Ens

A beautiful soul has left this earth but moved on to join other loved ones.  Her smile, kindness and the way she would say "Sasha" are forever remembered.  It was wonderful to have Gerda in our lives and to be part of a wonderful life lived.  Sasha and Sharon you have so much of both your mom and your dad in you, plus the wonderful parts that are just you.  They will forever live on.

A life well lived is a precious gift
Of hope and strength and grace,
From someone who has made our world
A brighter, better place
It’s filled with moments, sweet and sad
With smiles and sometimes tears,
With friendships formed and good times shared
And laughter through the years.
A life well lived is a legacy
Of joy and pride and pleasure,
A living, lasting memory
Our grateful hearts will treasure
- Author Unknown

Love Linda

We will miss Gerta so much. Always making sure to get a hug from her at church. I recall going to Gerta and Igor's in Caledonia for a lovely visit and to jewelry shop from her beautifully hand crafted stained glass jewelry collection.  I still cherish the earrings Gerta made. Gerta was such a Godly woman. ❤

I loved my "other mother" Mrs. Kostiloff. I was always welcome in her home with a warm welcome and a BIG hug. I had so much fun at their house.  Mr. & Mrs. K were an amazing couple who I thank God for having been in my life. 

I got to see Mrs. K. in August and she smiled huge when she saw me  with her usual exuberant, "Oh Sherry!" and I hugged her now little frame. I'm thankful for this last memory. Made me feel loved to the very end.

Sasha, Sharon and family... I love you all and will be praying for you. Sadly, I can't get out of work for the funeral or visitation. Please know my prayers are with you and I look forward to our next visit. 

Much love,
Sherry Stahl

Gerda was truly a one-of-a-kind friend and was like a big sister to me. I’ll never forget  all of the good times we shared together. She will always be in my thoughts and in my heart. 
Sasha and Sharon, my thoughts and prayers are with you! I pray you have peace knowing that your Mom is rejoicing in Heaven with the Lord and reunited with Igor!

I had so many special times with your mom at Bethel and in her home in Ancaster and Caledonia.  She was a funny lady, very talented in making stained glass items and singing in Bethel's choir, as well.  My condolences to her family.

To know Gerda was to love her.  She was a force of nature with her bubbly personality.  Her hospitality and love of parties was legendary.  At our countless card parties she kept us laughing, and would always say that laughter was good for us.  We have been blessed so much to have had her as a wonderful friend.  She is now laughing with her precious Savior and her precious Igor.  We will miss her terribly and she will always be in our hearts.
                     Love,
                     Ruth and Allen Root

Sharon & Sasha;

My deepest condolences to you on your mom's home-going.  She was a wonderful lady and a dear friend to my mom.  Koffie & gebakje time in heaven just got a little sweeter! 

Kelly Potma-Veysey

Dear Sharon and Sasha,

Being her brother, I would like to mention some words about Gerda:
Our family got to know Gerda as a very loyal sister. She was all the time ready to do something for everybody. Although she lived in Canada from her 22nd anniversary, she wrote long letters to her parents as they reported later. The other brothers and sisters were too young to realize this.  
Moreover also after her marriage with Igor she kept a close relationship with her family in Holland. She was very fond of her grandchild Alexandra.
She knew many details of the family members in her born country and she followed all family sweet and sad.
I visited Gerda in Canada five times and Gerda and Igor came to Holland every three years.
I would like to express my deep condoleances to both of you and wish you high strength in the coming period,

Kind regards, also from my Corry.

Your uncle Henk

Deepest condolences. Our thoughts are with the family, especially the beautiful daughters and precious granddaughter, who I’m sure brought unparalleled love.

OBITUARY

Gerda Kostiloff

November 14, 1932 – October 2, 2023

Cresmount Funeral Home - Fennell Chapel

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