March 6, 1923 - November 16, 2019
It is with heartfelt sadness that the family of Gonda announces her passing. She is pre-deceased by 7 of her siblings, and her husband Simon.
Gonda is survived by her daughter Jannetje (Norm) and son Gerrit, grandsons Michael (Jodi), Mark (Melissa), 5 great grandchildren, Olivia, Zachary, Elliot, Abigail and Elizabeth, her brother Gerrit and sister Ina, as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was very proud of her family and always willing to share a story or two with everyone. She has led a full life living in several countries and travelled the world. Gonda was born in the village of Oudeschild on the island of Texel, in The Netherlands.
After marrying Simon, they moved to Indonesia where she worked in the Dutch Embassy as an accountant returning to Holland when Indonesia gained independence. The next move was to Canada in 1954 along with 3 of her brothers and their families. She worked for several years as a cook at a hotel in Kitimat, and then moved to Black Creek, Vancouver Island to work on the dairy farm she and her husband had acquired.
After a few years she moved to Victoria, where she once again became a hotel cook. Following a move to the mainland and several locations on the Island, she eventually settled in Campbell River to be close to her brothers and their families again.
She was always very interested in politics and loved taking university courses where she was usually the oldest student in the class, by far. After retiring, Gonda enjoyed travelling the world with her husband, her siblings, and often by herself. Her travels included the Middle East, Europe, Central America (Guatemala her favourite country), multiple trips to Asia, and frequent bus tours to Reno, Nevada. Mexico was a favourite destination and is where Gonda enjoyed Christmas for the last 10 years. A favourite past time was bowling with her many friends in Courtenay, driving back and forth from Campbell River each week; renewing her driver's license this year.
She has requested a thank you to the staff on Unit 3B, in the Campbell River Hospital, for their continuous compassionate care, kindness and support.
As per Gonda's wishes, there will be a private family service at a later date
In lieu of flowers, and condolences, a donation can be made to the Red Cross to whom she has been a lifelong blood donor.