Obituary of Geertjie Gertrude Dieleman

On May 25, 2021, our mother, grandmother and sister went to be with Jesus. With deep sadness, we announce the passing of Gertrude (Gertie) Dieleman, in her 76th year. After a hard-fought battle with cancer, Gertie passed away peacefully in her home with family.

She was an unforgettable person with abundant faith, tenacity, generosity, spontaneity, adventure, and always plenty of stories (most of them to do with animals). 

Gertie is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Martin and her children Frank (Lynette), Suzanne (Bob) and Mary Jo (Gary). Her grandchildren Djamila, Karima, Malik, Jane, Daniel, Cassidy, Mackenzie, Ben, Emma and Jackson will always miss their Gramma.

She was born on a farm near Wommels, Friesland (Holland). She is predeceased by her parents, Hilbrand Twynstra and Sietske Postma, her stepmother Allie Postma, and her siblings, Henry, Winnie and John. She is survived by sister Shirley Vandershaaf and her brother Peter Twynstra.

Gertie had many gifts, perhaps the greatest was a love for animals, especially dogs. She turned this passion into a business and over the years saved thousands of dogs from neglect and death. She selflessly applied this gift to animals and birds for her entire life. Gertie also was a great cook and was proud of feeding anyone who stepped in her door with meals prepared with fresh produce from her own garden. 

 Gertie loved to tell stories and host and participate in large family gatherings. She knew thousands of people by name and maintained a myriad of relationships with family, friends and neighbours far and wide including numerous missionaries whose ministries she supported. 

 Her greatest love was Jesus. She read and meditated on God’s Word daily and shared wisdom and Bible verses freely with whomever she met. 

 Gertie often quoted the verse “Be still and know that I am God.” After a very active and fulfilling life, she is now with her Lord. 

 Due to Covid restrictions a private funeral service will be held on Saturday, May 29, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Friends are invited to attend the service virtually via livestream. Private interment to follow.

If desired, any tributes can be made “in memory of Gertie Dieleman” to OneBook www.onebook.ca  (220-4441 76 Ave SE Calgary AB T2C 2G8) or the Alzheimer Society of Canada. Special thanks go to Dr. Faulds and University Hospital, as well as numerous staff of Home Instead for the excellent care.