BOKMA, Gysbertje (Betty), 91, of Newmarket, Ontario passed away peacefully at Southlake Regional Health Centre on Thursday December 14, 2017. She was surrounded by her family in her last days, and had her daughter Maudy by her side in her last moments.
Betty was born in the Netherlands on March 3, 1926. She came to Canada in 1953 with her late husband of 51 years, Ernst and their children Lubke Storry, Elsje (Daniel Wightman) and Andy (Ania). After immigrating to Canada, they had 5 more children Charlie (Penny), Maudy Duhig (Bryan Harper), Wendy (Larry Gushev), Laurie-Ann (Mark Fisher) and Michelle (Scott Fraser). Although her children will mourn the loss of their loving mother, they are comforted in knowing that their father will have his “Famka” by his side once again.
Betty was the proud grandmother of Cody, Heidi, Jeremy, Joshua, Carl, Caitlin, Mac, Ernest, Kevin, Samantha, Christina, Lucas, Jesse, Daniel, Angelina, Robert, Eric, Carli, Emma, Claire, Amanda, Dallas and the late Justin, Brian and Michael who left this earth far too early.
She was great grandmother to Finley, Jude, Rhonan, Kaitlyn, Ty, Gwen, Charlie, Mavis, Jakkeb, Danielle, Alyson, Carah, Sofie, Logan, Noah, Bailey, Cali and Adalyn.
She is survived by her sisters Lies Vanderhulst and Annie De Cloe and predeceased by her brother Marten Foppen.
More than anything, Betty loved her family. She was an avid reader, card player and fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Barton Retirement Residence, Betty’s last place of residence. Special thanks to nurses Krista, Niquille, Leticia, Lila and Lynn for their caring and kind support of both Betty and her children, her physicians Dr. Zadra and Dr. Kenworthy who always went above and beyond, Violetta from Spectrum Health Care for the gentle care she gave to Betty, George Miesner of Christian Baptist Church for helping her to get to church, Anne, Kevin and Laura of Robin’s Pharmacy for their support and finally, Dr. Deliallisi and Dr. Mulhern for their compassionate care in Betty’s last days.
Her pastor, Keith Daly had a very important role in Betty’s life. He provided her with spiritual support and guidance, and helped her to transition peacefully to her final resting place.

The family will be holding a Celebration of Betty’s Life at the Christian Baptist Church at 127-135 Main St. South, Newmarket on January 6th, 2018 beginning with a service at 1:00 p.m. and refreshments to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Christian Baptist Church 127-135 Main St South, Newmarket, L3Y 3Y8.

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