Obituary of Mary Cornelia Geerts

Geerts, Mary Cornelia (Nee Herygers)

The family of Mary Geerts, sadly announces the passing of their dear mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, on October 17^th, 2022, surrounded by the love of her family. Mary was the beloved wife of the late Gerard Geerts (2008) and the loving mother of John (Kathy) Geerts, the late Mary Burns (2019) and the late Kim Burns (2022), Anita (John) Berkelmans, Jane Thuss (Richard Boersma), Patsy (Tony) Vandenbogaard, and Connie Geerts (Jon Bjornson). Mary is predeceased by her son-in-law Mike Thuss (1997). She was the devoted and very proud grandmother of 18 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Mary is predeceased by her brothers Louis, Bill and Joe and her sisters Adriana and Diana. She will be sadly missed and always remembered by her siblings Pete, Catherine, Johanna, Ann, Jack, Theo, Corrie, Elsa, Rosa and Selma and large extended family.  Mary was born in Klein-Zundert, The Netherlands, the 4^th of 16 children, to her parents Joseph and Marie Herygers. She and her family arrived in Canada in 1952. Mom met the love of her life Gerard, in Parkhill and the two wed in 1959. Our parents built a life together, raising 6 children on their family farm in Watford, Ontario. They celebrated almost 50 years of marriage, when Dad passed away 14 years ago. Mom devoted her life to caring for her family. While helping Dad on the farm, she would spend hours canning and preserving the produce she grew to feed the family. Mom always enjoyed having all the family together and would prepare huge, delicious meals. After we all married and left home, Mom went back to school and graduated from Lambton College in the PSW Program and worked for the Red Cross for many years. When Dad’s health declined, she was the most devoted caregiver and would not leave his side. Mom will be remembered for her beautiful flower gardens, her creative sewing and knitting, and the endless love and care of her family.

The family wishes to extend their thankfulness and gratitude to the staff at Strathmere Lodge for their kindness and care during Mary’s time there.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, October 20^th, 2022 from 4:00-7:00p.m. at DENNING’S OF STRATHROY. A private family funeral will take place. As expressions of sympathy, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada. Online condolences and donations may be left at www.strathroyfuneralhome.com.

In the interest of everyone’s safety, the family’s requests everyone in attendance wear a mask.