Gerda Mudde
A resident of Iroquois for the past six years, Gerda Mudde (nee Bosman) passed away at the Winchester District Memorial Hospital on Sat., Oct. 2, 2010. She was 66.
Gerda was born in Ellecom, The Netherlands on Jan. 27, 1944 to her parents, Henderik and Joke Bosman (nee Vink).
Gerda is survived by her husband, Bram, her children, Ian (Tammy) of RR# 1 Iroquois, Mark (Tennille) of Toronto, and Nicole (Brian) Dijkema of Ottawa, her mother Joke of Holland, her siblings Gonda (Harry) Blok of Holland, Irma (George) Jackson of Iroquois, Hans Bosman of Brockville, Magda Bosman of Holland, Wilma Bosman (Doug Taylor) of Wakefield, Elly Bosman of Iroquois, Gerard Bosman of Holland, and Fritz (Anita) Bosman of Holland. She was the much loved Oma of Olivia, Terrence, Elias, Micah, Sydney, and Reid. She was predeceased by her father Henderik. She was the dear aunt of Jolanda (Ed) DeJong of Chesterville.
Friends called at the Marsden and McLaughlin Funeral Home in Williamsburg on Mon., Oct. 4 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm. The funeral service was held at the Community Christian Reformed Church in Dixons Corners on Tues., Oct. 5 at 11 am, with Rev. Clarence Witten officiating. Interment followed at Iroquois Point Cemetery. The pallbearers were David Vandermeer, Chris Wilson, Doug Taylor, Ed DeJong, Dillon DeJong, and Brian Dijkema.
Donations to the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre or the Winchester District Memorial Hospital would be appreciated by the family.
Gerda was a truly exceptional woman who shaped so many lives. She first came to Canada in 1967, and worked as a nanny for several years. She then met Abraham Mudde, and was married in 1971. She loved her spouse with such commitment and devotion. They were married 40 years. Gerda was an impeccable housekeeper, and a thoughtful hostess. She raised Ian, Mark, and Nicole on their farm on Waddell Road. Gerda's dedication to her children was extraordinary. She was so proud that all her children were married in the Christian faith.
She donated much of her time and talents to the Timothy Christian School, setting up their library and volunteering in the classrooms to share her love of reading. She also worked in Timmy's Place. She was an active member of the Community Christian Reformed Church. Gerda was a woman who's faith in God never wavered.
Her favourite scripture was Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Gerda cherished her siblings. She loved being with her brothers and sisters and if she couldn't talk to them in person, she would find any way to communicate whether it be by fax, e-mail, or telephone. She was always in contact with her mother and siblings in Holland. She loved her sisters deeply, and that love extended to all members of her family. She loved sharing in family celebrations. The sisters enjoyed taking walks and talking together. Wilma, Elly, Irma, and Jolanda loved laughing, cleaning, and sipping tea together. She also liked gardening with her brother Hans. She especially appreciated Irma being beside her every step of the way through her battle with cancer. It is a true testament to the power of love.
Gerda was passionate about her grandchildren. She treasured every moment and milestone of their young lives. With Olivia, her only granddaughter, Gerda loved to dress dolls, and make crafts. She had great affection for Terrence and his high energy. She loved bragging about what Micah and Elias, the twins, were up to. And then when Sydney was born, Gerda was able to recognize her own smile in his. However, her passion was most evident a few hours before her death when her final wish came to fruition, and she was able to hold her newest grandchild, Reid, only six days old. She was an Oma who encouraged, guided and celebrated her six adoring grandchildren. Her last wish was that her grandchildren would be brought up knowing Jesus, and fulfilling the promises made at their baptism. She was a wonderful Oma who took a great deal of joy and pride in her grandchildren, and they took a great deal of joy in her.
When Gerda was first diagnosed with cancer 12 years ago, her true strength of character shone through. She fought the cancer with the same convictions in which she led her life - with confidence, her head held high, and with a smile on her face.
Gerda taught us to value and love our family, to laugh everyday and to always be courageous. She will never be forgotten.