Obituary for
Barbara Leentje van Walraven (van der Ven)
With sadness, we announce the peaceful passing of Barbara van Walraven (née van der Ven) on Saturday afternoon, September 9, 2017, with family at her side, at the age of 86 years. Barbara was born in the Netherlands in 1931 and immigrated to Canada 21 years later with her childhood sweetheart, Peter van Walraven, who passed away July 2015.
She was devoted to family. Loving mother of nine children: Arie (Margaret van Houten), Arthur (Debbie), Keith (Holly Mac Donald), Nick (Noreen Gibbs), Corrie (Stewart Simpson), Hilda, Margaret, Jack (Anne Duggan) and Carl (Anna Hwang). Adored by her many grandchildren: Arie, Casey, Charlotte, Christine, Denys, Ella, Jonas, Kira, Leisse, Lucas, Michelle, Naomi, Patrick, Peter, Richard, Sander, and Tosha. She also had five great grandchildren: Bennett, Clara, Gavin, Grey, and Mia. Tragically, she was pre-deceased by two of her grandchildren, Angus and Aspen. Fondly remembered by a large family in the Netherlands.
Mum / Oma / Barbara / Beppie was the embodiment of kindness throughout her life. Smart, creative, and independent, always cheerful and optimistic, and ever hospitable, she saw only the best in everyone.
We would like to express our profound gratitude to the dedicated staff at New Orchard Lodge, who so lovingly cared for Mum since her arrival in November 2015.
A gathering will be held for friends and family to honour and celebrate Barbara on Sunday, October 8, from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. at Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 150 Woodroffe Avenue in Ottawa (tributes at 3:00 p.m.)