It is with great sadness that we have to say goodbye to a loving wife, mother and oma who passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 25, 2011. Gerda is survived by her devoted husband of 51 years, Harrie "Henry", two daughters and two sons, Anne Marie Dalton (Neil) of Sarnia, Laurette Kropp (Paul) of Westbank, BC, Jerome (Patricia) of Sarnia and Matthew (M'liss) of Blenheim. Gerda was a proud oma to Emily, Rachel, Trinity, Dawson, Joel, Brook, Milanna and Savanna. Also survived by three sisters and a brother, Anny van Wessel, Diny Wolsing (van Wessel) and Wim van Wessel, all in The Netherlands, and Wilhelmina Mullett (Bruce) of London, ON; and sisters and brothers-in- law, Joseph van Dooren of Seaforth, Francis van Asseldonk (van Arkel) of Wallaceburg, Nelly van den Diepstraeten (Andy) of Blenheim, Jane van den Diepstraeten (John) of California, Netty van Beers (Brenders) of Chatham, Frank van Beers of Dutton, Andy van Loon of Kitchener, and John van Beers (Judy) of Goderich. Predeceased by her parents Bernardus and Anna van Wessel, brother Gerrit (Coby) and brothers and sisters-in-law, Henk Wolsing, Adrian van Arkel (Nelly), Jozef van Beers, Marie van Loon (van Beers), Wilhelmina van Beers (van den Diepstraeten) and Johanna van Dooren (van Arkel). Friends will be received at the McKENZIE & BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 431 Christina St. N., Sarnia, on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. where prayers will offered at 8:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Peter Keller at Sacred Heart Church on Monday, August 27th at 11 a.m. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, friends who wish may send memorial donations to the Alzheimer Society, 420 East St., Sarnia, ON N7T 6Y5. A tree will be planted in memory of Gerda van Arkel in the McKenzie & Blundy Memorial Forest. Dedication service Sunday, September 18th, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Wawanosh Wetlands Conservation Area. 10504842
