December 21st, 1947 - February 19th, 2023
Passed away peacefully after a short battle with cancer at Southlake Regional Hospital in Newmarket, Ontario on Sunday February 19th, 2023. She did not suffer nor was in any pain at the end. Beloved wife of Hank (Henry) A. Ouwendyk for 56 years. Beloved Mother of Maureen Boadway (Shaun). Proud Grandmother of Elizebethe Chaulk and Dacoda Boadway. Survived by siblings Beatrice Wright, Paul Cook, Joyce Strong and Lawrence Strong. Predeceased by her siblings Patricia Haggerty, James Cook and Henry Cook. Dear daughter of the late James Cook and Phyllis Strong.
Gertie was well known for her presence within the Victory Baptist Church and her love of the holidays, specifically Christmas – making enough food for an army and a half for all her family and friends with leftovers to feed everyone for another week. Gertie’s love of children knew no bounds. She was immensely proud of her daughter, Maureen, and ensured everyone was aware of it from the time she was born. Joyous to welcome her son-in-law, Shaun, into the family, Gertie was ecstatic to continue her proud moments with her two favourite Grandchildren; Elizebethe and Dacoda. Gertie would make sure to spend as much time as possible with both as she could, with various trips and adventures to keep them close. Gertie loved to spend time with her best friends, Alvin and Wendy McGenerty when she wasn’t spending time with her various family members who lived close by.
Working originally at Excel Metalcraft in Aurora, followed by several years at Dortec (Magna International), she was a support to everyone who knew her. Gertie loved, and usually won with her lucky spot while playing cards with her friends and family, especially Euchre, cribbage and 500. She also had a fondness for the slot machines and would travel to Niagara Falls with her family over the years to play. Gertie loved her preserves, knitting, quilting and bowling and passed along this knowledge to those closest to her.
A special thanks from the family to the MACU staff at Southlake Hospital in Newmarket for their caring and support during this difficult time.
Friends may pay their respects at the Roadhouse and Rose Funeral Home, 157 Main Street South, Newmarket on Monday February 27th from 1-2pm. Funeral service will be immediately following from 2pm-2:30pm with a celebration of life at The Newmarket Legion at 3pm.
If desired, memorial donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
On-line condolence at www.roadhouseandrose.com