Tribute Wall
In Memory of
Gwendolyn Elaine Vander Kooij
1964 - 2021
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Richard Heinzle posted a condolence
Sunday, June 6, 2021
My sincerest condolences!
Gwen was such a joy to have in the choir. Full of energy and enthusiasm.
She will be missed.
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John Dowson lit a candle
Friday, May 21, 2021
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Peter and Leni I'm so sorry to learn of Gwen's passing she will be missed. She was always such a bubbly enthusiastic person with a ready smile and a big HI Condolences
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Leah Taylor Roy posted a condolence
Thursday, May 20, 2021
That was a beautiful service Aunt Leni and Uncle Peter, Cynthia, Andrea and PJ. The eulogy perfectly captured Gwen's joy and love of family and friends. I know she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. At every family gathering, Gwen was the spark and the glow of love and connection. I can still see her singing across the aisle at Voices of Joy and asking after Nadiya or Kristina when they weren't there.
I am so so sorry for the loss of your wonderful first born daughter and to my cousins to your very special sister. May peace be with you all.
Hope to see you all in person very soon to give you a big hug and connect in the way Gwen would have....
xo
Leah, Nadiya and Kristina
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Bev Lewis lit a candle
Thursday, May 20, 2021
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Peter, Leni, Cynthia, Andrea and PJ
My sincere condolances to you and your families. My heart broke when I heard of Gwen's passing. I have so many fond memories of Gwen and your whole family. It was heartbreaking not being able to attend todays service and to give you all hugs. Cynthia, the tribute you made to Gwen was outstanding and I could picture her enthusiasm in each of the memories you shared.
Gwen will always be in my heart. She was a remarkable person.
Sending you all my love.
Bev Lewis
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Gord and Donna Johnston posted a condolence
Thursday, May 20, 2021
We were thankful to be able to view the funeral service for Gwen. It was a lovely service. We loved her and we shall miss seeing her at Victory. Our sincere condolences to all in both of her families. Gord and Donna Johnston
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Jim and Glenda Van Hemert donated to COMMUNITY LIVING NEWMARKET / AURORA DISTRICT
Thursday, May 20, 2021
In memory of Gwen and the special person she was. Thank-you for the beautiful service today.
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Judi posted a condolence
Thursday, May 20, 2021
We have so many great memories of Gwen and her fabulous personality. So sorry for your loss the world is a little less bright without her smiling face but we know she is in a better place. She will be missed! Thoughts and prayers to the entire family, Rob and Judi
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Duane posted a condolence
Thursday, May 20, 2021
To Peter and Leni and extended family, we are saddened to hear of the loss of Gwen. She was a fantastic woman and had such an energy about her, in whatever she did! Gwen will be missed by many.
The Carson Family
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Tracy St Pierre posted a condolence
Thursday, May 20, 2021
My condolences to your family on the loss of Gwen. Sending light and love.
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Mary Clement Reddick posted a condolence
Thursday, May 20, 2021
So sorry for your loss Andrya will sorely miss Gwenn our deepest sympathies.
Andrya and Mary Reddick
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John, Jenna and Lee Galloway posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
Leni and Peter,our condolences on the passing of your daughter Gwen, may she rest in peace and we are sure she will never be forgotten as she will be missed deeply by everyone she touched.
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Hilary Veenstra posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 19, 2021
Condolences to both of Gwen's families as you mourn her loss. I knew Gwen through the Literacy Council, where she was eager to improve her writing skills. She was such a hard worker, and produced some lovely pieces about her family--always about her family! It was very obvious there was a lot of love there. I have many fond memories of her, and rejoice that she is now with her Saviour.
Hilary Veenstra
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Stephen Gale lit a candle
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
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Steve, Nancy Gale,Jenny-Anne Antonacci-Gale and Jessey send their deepest sympathy.
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Mark & Ann Louise McCandlish posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
Our condolences on Gwen's passing. May God comfort you as you mourn her loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mark & Ann Louise McCandlish
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Voices of Joy Community Choir donated to COMMUNITY LIVING NEWMARKET / AURORA DISTRICT
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
A donation has been made to Community Living Newmarket Aurora in memory of Gwen.
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Stephen Mathieu posted a condolence
Tuesday, May 18, 2021
Leni, Peter and family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. I know you all are missing Gwen but remember the great times with her and rejoice as she is now with her heavenly Father. Blessings, Stephen
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Chris Bulmer posted a condolence
Sunday, May 16, 2021
Peter
I'm very sorry about Gwen's passing. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely
Chris Bulmer.
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Andrea Sager posted a condolence
Saturday, May 15, 2021
To Leni And Peter and family I would just like to wish you a Deepest Sympathy and condolences at this difficult time I knew Gwen from The voices of joy choir along time ago I remember Gwen as a Happy cheerful person
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Marianne & Gord Graff posted a condolence
Friday, May 14, 2021
We were so sad to hear of Gwen’s passing. She will be greatly missed. I enjoyed her being on the bus adventures with us at Victory Baptist Church. She also enjoyed being in pictures with us. On Sunday mornings she would always come to me and say hi and ask where Gord was. So cute!
Our Deepest Condolences to her family and to Martin & Riky Veens.
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Susan McKelVey posted a condolence
Friday, May 14, 2021
We were so sorry to hear about Gwen's passing. She was one of my good friends at Victory Baptist. It was such a joy in our Sunday school class to have her offer to read the scripture. She would always greet me at the back door wanting to know what the lesson was about on any particular week. One of my greatest memories was the day the Ladies Ministry took a bus trip to High Park Zoo. Riky, Gwen, MaryJane and Sabrina walked around with us. What a special memory. Gwen will be greatly missed but she is celebrating with Jesus. ❤️
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Maggie posted a condolence
Friday, May 14, 2021
Hi Peter and Leni I heard about the loss of Gwen and I know how hard it must be to”loss such a great person. Such Gwen but my prayers are with you and your family because gwen was part of the choir family for a very long time and will be surely missed by everybody who came to know her and be around her from Maggie and Sharon
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Joy Roberts donated to COMMUNITY LIVING NEWMARKET / AURORA DISTRICT
Friday, May 14, 2021
Thinking of you. We can only imagine the sadness your family is experiencing. Gwen will be deeply missed.
Fondly
Melissa Littlejohn, Joy Roberts John Littlejonhn and Family.
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Svend & Patricia Pedersen posted a condolence
Friday, May 14, 2021
Dear Leni, Peter and Family,
It is with such sadness that we heard of the passing of Gwen.
Gwen was truly a young lady that was loved by all that met her.
Please accept our condolences on this sad day.
Rest in Peace Gwen.
Sincerely, Lynn, Lyse, Svend and Patricia Pedersen.
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Joy Roberts posted a condolence
Friday, May 14, 2021
Dear Leni, Peter and Family, Riky, Martin and Family and to Mary Jane and Sabrina,
Words cannot express, how saddened we are for the loss of Gwen.
Gwen was an amazing woman. Her personality was such a presence. She was the most knowledgeable and informed person of the things happening in daily life and what was going on in most peoples lives that she was involved with. Her helpfulnes and concern for others, was truly Gwen’s gift.
Gwen cared about and looked after Melissa from the day they met. She was protective and genuinely had Melissa’s best interest at heart. Her positive and outgoing personality will be missed.
We can only imagine the loss that all of Gwens family and friends will experience.
We will never forget you Gwen. RIP. ❤️ With love Melissa Littlejohn, Joy Roberts, John Littlejohn and Family.
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Ray and Jacquie Dryfhout posted a condolence
Thursday, May 13, 2021
Our sincere condolences with the loss of Gwen. We will be thinking of and praying for your family during this difficult time.
Love Ray and Jacquie Dryfhout
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Donna & Mac Lewis posted a condolence
Thursday, May 13, 2021
It is with such sadness we learned of Gwen’s passing. Her love of people and enthusiasm of life was always apparent when ever we were able to get together. The excitement and joy she exhumed whenever she was singing with her choir, was such fun to watch whenever we were privileged to attend. May your faith which has given you support over the years help you get through this tremendous loss. Sincerely Donna and Mac Lewis
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elisa harland posted a condolence
Thursday, May 13, 2021
Andrea and family, I’m so sorry to hear about Gwen. My condolences to you and your family. Elisa Harland
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Susan Parker posted a condolence
Thursday, May 13, 2021
We were very sad to hear of Gwen’s passing. My husband Greg and our son Chris were very involved with coaching Special Olympic t-ball and bowling . Gwen enjoyed both sports and being with her friends from Community Living. Stuart just said that ‘ Gwen was was my friend she helped me and made me laugh a lot’. Our thoughts and prayers are with Gwen’s family at this very difficult time. Greg Susan and Stuart Parker
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Colleen Zakoor posted a condolence
Thursday, May 13, 2021
Our heartfelt condolences, Gwen will always be in our hearts with her genuine personality, her infectious smile, her incredible memory and her zest for life.
Gwen was our beloved time keeper, always ensuring that we knew important dates and promoting attendance at agency and community events; especially Voices of Joy Choir concerts, of which she was a prominent member. Over the last year, Gwen has helped to keep all our spirits high by encouraging safe social connections and valiantly speaking of better times to come with anticipated returns to Day Supports and her job at Tim Hortons.
Gwen's presence will be sadly missed by her many friends, her extensive families and by all of us at Community Living.
Sincerest sympathies,
Colleen
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Patty MacKay posted a condolence
Thursday, May 13, 2021
Dear Peter and Leni,
I was very sad when I heard about Gwen. I always enjoyed her enthusiasm when she would talk to me at the office when I worked there. She always made me smile. My thoughts are with you and her extended family as well.
Patty MacKay
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Elaine Adam posted a condolence
Thursday, May 13, 2021
To the Vanderkooij Family,
I was saddened to learn of your loss. Gwen was such a kind, caring, inclusive person, a joy to be with. She loved everything that she did, from Community Living activities to singing with the Voices of Joy. She will be missed by everyone.
Elaine Adam
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Susan Popper posted a condolence
Thursday, May 13, 2021
To Peter and Leni, we send our deepest sympathy and condolences to you and your family and to the Veens family, the Taylor's and Gwen's roommates, Sabrina and Mary Jane. We will always remember Gwen as a vibrant happy person, eager to share her news with all.
Susan, Paul, Kamron and Rosina Popper
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Shawna posted a condolence
Thursday, May 13, 2021
We were so sorry to hear of the loss of Gwen. Kim has a lifetime of fond memories of their childhood together in school right through to their shared experiences in Voices of Joy. Please accept our heartfelt condolences at this time.
The Middlebrook Family
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Emily Wierenga posted a condolence
Thursday, May 13, 2021
Leni, Peter & Family,
Sending condolences to you all in the loss of Gwen.
I have known and friend to her since 2005 attending Day Supports at Community Living Central York, and singing alongside her in VOJ choir for 2 years.
From Emily Wierenga
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Nancy Young lit a candle
Thursday, May 13, 2021
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Leni, Peter & family.
Gord & I send you our deepest sympathy. It is not easy losing a child.
Gwen was such a happy soul and she is now at peace, no more pain and she will be singing
with the angels.
Love to you all.
Gord & Nancy Young
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Gerald posted a condolence
Thursday, May 13, 2021
Dear Leni, Peter, and family,
My sincerest condolences and deepest sympathy with the passing of Gwen.
I have fond memories of spending time with Gwen from way back when I was a child enjoying fellowship at your home, and was sad to hear of her passing.
I wish you strength in this difficult time, and peace in the comforting knowledge that she is home with Jesus.
Sincerely,
Gerald Flach
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The Seymours posted a condolence
Thursday, May 13, 2021
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. She was always such a happy person. She will be greatly missed.
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Lena Thorogood posted a condolence
Thursday, May 13, 2021
Dear Leni and Peter,
I'm so sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences to you and your family. May you be comforted in the knowledge that Gwen is now at home with our Lord.
With loving thoughts and prayers,
Lena
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Colleen Hedican posted a condolence
Thursday, May 13, 2021
Dear Leni and Peter, and family. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Gwen. I have many wonderful memories of Gwen singing with the Voices of Joy and especially their singing at Gerry’s funeral. Gerry often spoke of your family and your many contributions to both Community Living and the Voices of Joy. Please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of Gwen.
To Rickey and Martin and family who loved Gwen and were always so kind and helpful in so many ways I send my deepest condolences.
Colleen Hedican
Effie Bierling posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Dear Peter, Leni and family
Sending you our deepest sympathy with the passing into glory of your dear daughter/sister .
We pray that our God will surround you all with His loving arms.
She will be missed by a lot of people, not the least, our Secret sister program.
It was always a pleasure to be told by Gwen not to forget to pick
up the gift someone had brought for us.
It was also the highlight for Gwen on the reveal night, for her to figure out who
had been giving her gifts for the past year.
Sending you a virtual hug.
From Louis and Effie
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Marta McCarthy donated to COMMUNITY LIVING NEWMARKET / AURORA DISTRICT
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
To dear Leni, Peter, and Family:
Our deepest condolences, with loving thoughts and prayers,
Marta, Mary Sue, & Paula McCarthy
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Joanne Hoving posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Our deepest sympathies to all the family. Gwen had joy and happiness within her and she will surely be missed by all who knew and loved her. She is now safe in the arms of her Saviour and is singing with her new voice of joy.
May God comfort you all and give you his strength.
George & Joanne Hoving
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Pat Champagne posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
Our condolences to Peter and Leni, Rikey and Martin and their families on the loss of Gwen. We have happy memories of Gwen when we would meet at Voices of Joy, and community gatherings. Gwen had a joy and a smile that was infective. Sorry for her recent suffering, but consoled that she is at peace. Also thinking of Maryjane - her inseparable buddy, at this time of loss.
Pierre & Pat Champagne
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Debbie posted a condolence
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
To Leni and Peter and family
We send our deepest sympathies to you at this very sad time.
God Bless
Henry & Debbie Beintema
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The family of Gwendolyn Elaine Vander Kooij uploaded a photo
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
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