Passed away peacefully on February 4th, 2017 at South Huron Hospital at the age of 95. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Josef Gosar (2002). Loving mother of Elizabeth Witmer (Cam), Waterloo and Hank Gosar (Peggy), Aurora. Cherished grandmother of Scott and Sarah Witmer, Waterloo, Janna (Matt) Rispin, Innisfil, Jaime (Rob) Franceschinis, Newmarket and Marnie (Oliver) Ronson, Brantford and proud great grandmother of Jack, Sydney, Danni and Bennett. Mom will also be fondly remembered by her brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews in The Netherlands and Alice De Weerd and her family.
Sena was born in Schiedam, The Netherlands, one of 13 children and she immigrated to Canada with her husband and 2 children in 1951, landing at Pier 21, Halifax, settling first in Alberta and within a year in Exeter Ontario.
Sena had an inner strength and a beautiful smile that could light up a room. She was an inspiring role model and friend to many of all ages, including her dear friends in the coffee group. She enjoyed precious time with her family at the cottage near Parry Sound, at family celebrations, phone calls with her dear sister Maartje and with her grandson Scott in their daily phone conversations.
Sena had a deep faith and relationship with her Lord which permeated every aspect of her life.
Friends are invited to share their memories of Sena during visitation at the Haskett Funeral Home, 370 William Street, Exeter on Thursday, February 9th from 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Pastor Kevin teBrake will conduct the funeral service on Friday, February 10th at 11:00 am at the Exeter Christian Reformed Church, 330 Huron Street West, Exeter. Interment Exeter Cemetery. The family extends their utmost gratitude to the dedicated staff who assisted Mom at the Exeter Villa and South Huron Hospital for their loving and exceptional support and care. As expressions of sympathy, donations to South Huron Hospital in Mom’s memory would be appreciated.
We will dearly miss you Mom, Grandmother, sister and friend. You will be forever in our hearts.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Tom Hartai
To the Gosar family
I was extremely saddened to hear the news of mom’s passing. On behalf of my family and staff here in Exeter please accept our deepest condolences. Your Mom was a great lady. She was always so pleasant and an absolute delight to serve in our store in Exeter.
Tom Hartai
Brigitte’s Fashions & Thomas H Fine Menswear ..Exeter
Paul & Jean Mason
Dear Hank & Family,
Sorry to hear about Mom’s passing. We just returned from our winter vacation & read it in the paper. It’s so true about your Mom’s smile & caring nature. We will get together in the near future…..we owe you a lunch. It’s great that you keep in touch with us. Lots of great memories of the old Exeter days with you .Elsie, & Mom & Dad.
Sincerely, Paul & Jean Mason.
Robert A. (Bob) Bregman
I would like to express my condolences to the family of Mrs. Sena Gosar.
My memories of her and family go back many years, to the time that I was a milkman for one of the Exeter Dairies and Sena’s husband Joe was milkman for the other one
Joop en Stijnie Jansen
Lieve Elze, Henk en verdere familie,
Wij wensen jullie alle steun en warmte toe, die nodig is in deze moeilijke tijd.
Wij gedenken tante Sien als een vrolijke, goedlachse vrouw, die veel warmte uit straalde.
Vooral onze ontmoeting in 1997 staat ons nog helder voor ogen.
Het was een prachtige en warme ontmoeting in Canada.
Een warme groet,
Joop en Stijnie Jansen
jannie fleming -vellekoop
Lieve allemaal.in canada. Wil jullie condoleren met het.overlijden van jullie moeder en oma. Op dit moment is haar uitvaart aan de gang. Even met mn moeder tante leni. Gebeld zodat we samen toch even aanwezig zijn geweest en op deze manier afscheid hebben genomen. Wens jullie heel veel sterkte voor nu maar zeker ook voor de.toekomstm warme groet voor jullie allemaal Jannie Fleming-Vellekoop
Karen Redman
We only met Sena briefly over the years, but clearly the legacy of her family values and inner strength are evidenced in the character and commitment to others displayed by Elizabeth, Cam, Scott and Sarah. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Gosar family. There is much to be celebrated and remembered in 95 years of a life well-lived.
Karen and Warren Redman
Bob and Judy Astley
Dear Elizabeth and family,
We send our sincere condolences on the death of your mom. Sena’s obituary paints a picture of a warm and generous person. Having both lost our parents, we know how much sorrow follows the death of a parent at any age. Sena’s death will undoubtedly leave a big hole in the family fabric. We grieve with you.
Bob and Judy Astley
Jeanet Jongste
Beste familie,
Ik wens jullie veel sterkte toe met het verlies vanSiene.
Hartelijke groeten Jeanet.
Fred & Ann Zwaan
Our heartfelt sympathy with the passing of your mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
She was such a lovely lady who always had a smile and a great love for everyone regardless of age.
She came to see my Mom at the Villa just a few hours before she went to her heavenly home last August.
I will always remember her gentle, compassionate personality.
God bless you . I know she will be missed by many family members and friends. Fred & Ann Zwaan
Jim/Yvonne Barnetson
Elizabeth and family.Very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing.My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Your mom was a lovely lady.I remember her when we were in school.
Yvonne (Fisher)Barnetson.
Luke & Miriam McAuley
Elizabeth, Henk and Families our sincere condolences on the loss of your mother and grandmother. Your mom was a Fabulous lady with a winning smile and the ability to make everyone she met feel good about themselves.
She will be truly missed. Our continued thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
judith christensen
Elizabeth and family…We were so sorry to hear of your moms passing…she was a wonderful and beautiful lady and she will be missed by many …our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Judy christensen and Joan coxon
Lori Atkinson
Sena will be missed dearly! She was such an important friend to my mom. My moms final hours were spent with her! Sena and I often talked about it. She also was a friend to my dad at the villa and to our family! Love you Sena. Until we meet again!
Sorry not to be able to make visitation or service but I am thinking and praying for family and friends. Lori Atkinson
Judy and Hector White
Elizabeth and Cam (and family)
We are sorry to hear about your loss.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike and Sharon Brady
We are sorry for the loss of your mom and send our deepest sympathy to help comfort you today. She left many blessings for your family. God bless! Mike and Sharon
Pete and Gloria McFalls
Elizabeth, Cam, Hank and families
Sorry for your loss. Your mother was always so friendly whenever I would see her. She always remembered us as former school friends of yours.
Ken and Lois Ottewell
To the Gosar family,
Please accept our deepest sympathy in the loss of your mom. She was such a gracious lady and spent time with us when we lived on Waterloo Street. Your wonderful memories will ease the pain!
Deepest sympathy,
Ken and Lois Ottewell,
St. Ives, B.C.
Marg & Jim Williamson
Dear Scott, I am so sorry for your huge loss. You were the apple of your Grandma’s eye. Sena would be so excited when she knew you were coming for a visit. She lived for your daily phone calls. I will never forget her smile. Due to health reasons I am unable to attend visitations or funeral service. My prayers and thoughts are with Scott.
Sincerely Marg Williamson
Ad Aartse en Anne Stekhoven
To the family of my aunt Sien (Sena).
We want to send you our condolences for the passing away of this beautiful woman.
We wil remind her as a positive woman, with a joyfull character. She was always chearfull and interested for those she knew. She had a very strong bond with mij mother Maartje and I always enjoyed the stories she and Maartje told oneanother. Which I heard from Maartje.
We want to wish you strenght for the coming period and hope the memory of the loving person she was will help the family with this big loss.
You will be in our prayers the coming time.
Roger Cann
I’m very sorry for the loss of your mother, Sena was very loved by my family. She was a big part of my life growing up.. I.will always remember a great lady whose family meant so much to her.
You are in our prayers. God bless
Roger and Pat Cann
Jerry and Alice MacLean
To the Gosar Family we send our sympathy. Sena was the image of a perfect lady! You children have been blessed beyond measure to have had such a gracious mother.Our acquaintance with Sena goes back to Marlborough St. days.We would see her on a weekly basis and always enjoyed hearing about her family.She was super proud of each and every one of you in your accomplishments.Joe was the love of her life..and now they are reunited. Praise God, be thank full that you had her for so many years! Her life will be difficult to duplicate…….try your best because she was one of the best!
Els Aartse
Dear Elze,
I want to send my condolences to you and your family. My mother sent me the obituary for aunt Sien.
Beautiful words and how beautiful and a comfort it is that she has passed away peacefully.
I remember my dear aunt as a very warm, strong and beautiful person and I’m thankful for carry her name, with proud. Elizabeth Sientje means so much more to me now.
I wish for her she may rest in peace and have a wonderfull happy new life in paradise with uncle Joe, her mother and my father Cor. I know they are happy in heaven with God.
I wish you and your family lots of strength and that God will comfort you all.
Lots and lots of love,
Els Aartse
Maartje. Aartse-Jongste
Lieve Elze,Cam,Henk en Peggy en klein en achterkleinkinderen ,
Wat een mooi mens is heengegaan ,ik zal haar blijven herinneren als mijn grote zus ,was heel trots op haar hoe opgewekt zij was en wat hadden we altijd fijne gesprekken aan de telefoon .
De laatst keer dat ik bij haar was ,was in 2011 wat een geweldige tijd ik zal dat nooit vergeten.
Je zal altijd een grote plek in mijn hart innemen ,ik zal je net zoals zovelen heel erg missen .
Wens een ieder die haar lief had heel veel sterkte en Gods onmisbare zegen toe !
Je jongste zusje Maartje.
Ted and Sharon Sanders
To Elsie and Cam,
It was our pleasure to get to know your Mom 4 years ago on our daily visits to the Villa. She was always a treasure to visit with and had many interesting stories to share about her life. She was very proud of her family.
As you remember your Mother, know that that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Yolanda Aartse
Elze, Hank en familie, heel veel sterkte met het verlies van tante Sien. Wat een mooi mens was zij. De laatste keer dat ik haar heb ontmoet was tijdens mijn vakantie in 2011. Zij vertelde over hoe zij met haar gezin die eerste jaren in de vijftiger jaren in Canada heeft beleefd. Welke ontberingen zij moesten doorstaan. Het was zo’n mooi gesprek die ochtend bij de koffie. Ik zal altijd met genegenheid aan haar terug blijven denken.
Brian and Lorraine Van Heteren
Our deepest condolences to the Gosar family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Alda Brady
Hank Elizabeth and family. Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your Mother and Grandma.She was a wonderful person with a great smile.
Evelyn Vander Meer
We were friends as a group of women who met every Monday morning. Even though, I live in Woodstock now, I still met with Sena last Wednesday. She was such a special lady. What a joy it was to be with her. Her smile was infectious. I’ll never forget the good times we had.
Eleanor and Barb Stanlake
Elizabeth and Hank,
We’re very sad to learn of the death of our dear friend, Sena. As you know, we have known Sena all our lives. She was such a lovely, gracious person. We enjoyed our visits with her at the Villa these last few years. She told us lots of stories, that we had never heard before, about her life in Holland and early life in Canada. We’ll miss her very much.
Deepest sympathy to you and your families.
Eleanor and Barb Stanlake
Bob Runciman
My condolences to Elizabeth and other family members on your loss.
Nadene Bedell
My deepest sympathy to all of Sena’s family. I shall always remember her sweet smile, her cheerfulness and her strong faith and love for our Lord. I am grateful to have had her friendship.
Bob and Ann Oke
Our sincere sympathy in the loss of your loved one and our dear friend Sena We will cherish her memory always and enjoyed her company at her home and in the Villa
Jim and Verla Russell
Liz & Hank and family
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of your Mother.
She was a wonderful lady and a good friend to my Mom (Lila (Smith) Ellis, I’m so glad they had spent some time together.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this sad time.
$haron Chick
I am so very sorry to hear the news about Mrs. Gosar. My deepest condolences to the family.
Exeter Villa
The residents and staff of the Exeter Villa send their heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
Kendra Craig
My deepest sympathies to the entire family is in passing of Sena. Many fond memories of her and Joe as our neighbour on Marlborough and as a friend at the Villa. She will be missed.
Larry & Donna Shapton, Frances McNabb
Our thoughts and prayers are extended to all of you at this time. The Villa was always a happier place when Sena’s smile lit up the room. Mom enjoyed the odd walk around the block and good chat with Sena… Most Sincerely, Larry and Donna Shapton and Frances McNabb
Wes & Christine Hodgson
Elizabeth & Hank sorry for your loss. Your mother was a wonderful lady. Have known her for many years as my parents were good friends with yours. Will miss seeing her at the Villa when we were there to visit. Sorry we can’t visit at funeral home as we are down south. Will be thinking of you.
Christine (Kingma) & Wes
Kathy (Smith) Ham
To Elsie, Cam, Hank, Peggy and families, my sincerest condolences for the loss of your mother, Sena. She was one of my favourite people.I always enjoyed our phone calls to each other and when I last saw her at the cottage at St. Joseph’s.
I have so many fond memories of your mother and father and going back and forth to each other’s homes when we were growing up . I also remember how close your parents were to my parents. The were truly wonderful times. We were all so lucky.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Nancy Cybulski(Dowson)
To the family of Sena: My sympathy in your loss of a wonderful and beautiful lady. I lived in the same building as Sena
on Marlborough St. in Exeter for years. She had such an infectious personality, loved everyone. She will be surely
missed by all that knew her. R.I.P. Sena
Vicki Geoffrey
To the family of Sena,
We don’t meet people by accident
They are meant to cross our path for a reason .
In life you realize that there is a purpose for every person you meet.
I am deeply sorry for your loss, she was such a beautiful soul, she has a special
place in my heart.
Pastor Jim Vellenga
Sorry for your loss. I was just hoping to visit her in the next days. May God comfort you in the days to come.
Vera Armstrong
Sympathy to the Gosar family. Treasure your memories
Vera Armstrong
Cy and Eleanor Blommaert
Our deepest sympathy to the Gosar family . Your Mom was a wonderful lady. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time
John Pryde
Elizabeth, Hank & families: My heartfelt condolences on the loss of a wonderful Mother- always very cheerful and friendly. My pleasant memories of your family go back to your early Exeter days on Huron Street. You’ll have great memories of both your parents. Rest in Peace Mrs. Gosar.
marilyn waldeck
It is with great saddness to hear of the loss of Sena Gozar-she was a beautiful lady whose smile lit up everyone when they met her on the street or when she would come in the store. She was a strong loving lady who
always kept positive. She will be greatly missed by many of her close friends and those who knew her.
Marilyn
Ray and Judy Mills
To the family of Sena:
Please accept our deepest sympathy at your loss of a mother, grandmother and friend. Sena was a wonderful, kind, caring individual, who warmed everyone with her smile, her quiet manner and her concern. I worked with Joe at McCurdy Public School many moons ago and fell in love with this wonderful kindly elder, who did a fantastic job of cleaning our school, with care and with respect for all. And then I met Sena, the love of his life. It has been a great pleasure to have known her for all these years and to catch up with details when ever I bumped into her in Exeter – at a yard sale a few years back, on the street shopping a couple of times, at an event with Alice her good friend, and so forth. I have missed seeing her over the last couple of years, but have asked Alice about her health on occasion. She was a wonderful person and I was blessed to have had her in my life. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Even though she lived to be a wonderful age, it is still never easy to lose a loved one. God Bless.
Teo & Sieka Van Steeg
Els and Henk and family
So sorry to hear about your mother
It was good to see her the other day< it was nice to sing "Hollandse Spalmen " with her
We know she is at Peace with her Lord
Our prayers are with all of you at tis time
Tom and Carol Arthur
Elisabeth, Hank and Families
We are saddened to hear of Siena’s passing. She was a wonderful person and neighbour. We have many fond memories of living on Marlborough Street. Sena would always have a big smile and a great interest in how our family was doing. She lived a long and wonderful life. She will truly be missed.
Irv.Armstrong
Tothe Gosar family. I am sorry to hear of the death of Sena.I remember well times that she & Joe came into the. Furniture store with relatives from Holland. I will miss talking with her t the Villa. All the best to the family. Irv.
Ross and Marlene Mathers
To the Family of Sena Gosar: Our sympathy in the loss of a dear Mother and Grandmother Sena. She was always so friendly and nice. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.