August 5, 1937 – December 6, 2022
Surrounded by family and the gentle familiarity of home in these final days, our dearly loved wife, Mom and Oma passed away peacefully on December 6, 2022 in her 86th year. Loving and dedicated wife to Lourens Kodde for more than 55 years. Cherished Mom and Mom-in-law to Jacqueline and Kevin DeRaaf and Gerald and Sharon Kodde. Beloved Oma of Brendan (Emma) DeRaaf, Lauren (Lucas) Bouwers, Nicole DeRaaf and Nathan, Caleb, Rachel and Salome Kodde and Great-Oma to little Austin, Eli, Wesley and Isaac – all who captured her special attention and care.
Wilma was the second youngest of twelve in the large Branderhorst family she loved so much. Many of her siblings have gone on before her, with whom she is now reunited. She is survived by sisters Dorothy DeVries and Ann (Dave) Koning and sisters-in-law Peta Branderhorst and Ria Branderhorst, as well as many, many nieces and nephews whom she cared about with love and interest. Her bond with Kodde in-laws in the Netherlands was also mutually strong.
Wilma had great interest in people, enjoying going out to visit, as well as gathering others around her table. She spent much time, energy and love in her kitchen, preparing meals and treats for her family and many around her. Family was central to Mom. After caring for her own parents in her home until they passed away, she made a commitment to her mother to do her best to keep the family together. She has honoured that with her best efforts through the years, serving as a hub for the Branderhorst clan.
As a family, we are so thankful for the love, support and prayers of family, church family and neighbours, as well as the capable help of kind nurses and PSWs. Our special thank you to Dr. Leger, who cared for her with tenderness and sincere interest.
Mom lived her faith in caring, practical ways. We will miss her deeply. We rest in God’s faithfulness, unconditional love, and the sure promise that she has been received into the eternal Home prepared for her through the precious gift of Jesus.
Isaiah 41:10 had special significance for Mom. As family, we draw comfort from these words as well: “Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Visitation will be held at the Exeter Christian Reformed Church, 330 Huron Street West, EXETER on Friday, December 9th from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 PM. Registration is required and appreciated. To register, please click “Register Now” below.
Wilma’s funeral service will be held in the church on Saturday, December 10th at 10 AM. Interment Exeter Cemetery. Registration is not required to attend the funeral service.
For those unable to attend the service, the family invites you to join from the comfort of your home by visiting https://www.youtube.com/@exeterchristianreformedchu9708/streams.
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).
Eimert van der Beek
Dear Lourens, Jacqueline, Gerald and further family,
While I was just sorting out some papers of my late uncle Joe van der Beek, I remembered my very special telefone call with his cousin Mientje in 2017, when my uncle just had passed away. So I went on the internet and found out that she had passed away last December.
My condoleances to all of you. Good to hear in funeral the service, how much she meant to all of you.
Deb and Ina DeVries
Wilma was a good friend to my mom for the last 68 years She will miss her visits and phone calls
Our thoughts are with Wilma’s close and extended family at this time.
Linda Mills
Lourens, Gerald and Sharon and the rest of the Kodde family. Please accept my sincerest condolences in the loss of your wife , Mom and Oma. Hold your memories very close and let your faith guide you. Thinking of the Kodde family at this sad time.
Shelley Bourne (Burnett)
I send condolences to Lourens and family from myself and from the Burnett family. I always enjoyed talking with Wilma and last enjoyed a chat at Shirley Westman’s funeral luncheon. I am thinking of you at this tough time.
Anne Pincombe
Dear Laurens and Kodde Family,
Sincere condolences on Wilma’s passing. Thinking of you at this very difficult time in your life.
Frank and Lorri Hogervorst
Gerald, Sharon and Family
So very sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. I pray that many wonderful memories and Gods love will give you strength at this time.
Peter & Rita Beerda
Our condolences to you Lourens, Gerald and Sharon, Jacquie and Kevin and family. May you find strength and comfort as you grieve the passing of your wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother!
Linda Branderhorst
Oom Lou, Jacqueline, Gerald and your partners, children and grandchildren – tante Wilma is going to be missed and her profound impact on everyone will be forever remembered. She was one special lady. Wishing you strength during this difficult time.
Ties en Harma Knip
Dear Kodde family. Our deepest condolences with the passing of a wonderful lady. Ties and i and our kids have fond memories of Wilma. We wish you much strength in the time to come.
Fred and Dita Knip
Dear Lou and family.We are so sorry for your loss! Wilma was a special lady! She will be missed by many.What a comfort we have as christians that we will see each other again.May you feel God’s loving arms around you!
Tim and Sheryl Plate
Thankful to God, for Wilma’s life here on earth. She is a blessing to so many. She will be happy to see those who have gone before her. We will see her again. Glad to know her. Thinking of Lourens and family. Praying and trusting God to give you strength and comfort as only God and His Word can do.
Ann Thorp Brouwer
We were so sorry to learn of Aunt Wilma’s passing. We only learned she was sick after being informed of her death. Both Cornie and I loved when she visited Iowa. She was such a kind and beautiful soul. May God comfort you at this difficult time. With Love, Cornie and Ann Brouwer
Brian and Blanche Cooper
Lourens and family, we are very sorry to hear about Wilma’s passing. She was always so kind and friendly. We hope that you are comforted by your wonderful memories. We hope faith and love will support you at this difficult time.
Dale Cook
Lourens, Jacqueline & Kevin, Gerald & Sharon
My sincere and heartfelt condolences to all of you, May your memories be many and comforting.
Hans and Marie Ewald
To Lourens and the whole Kodde family ,We were very sad to hear about Wilma passing away .
She was a really lovely lady ,really kind and concerned for everyone .We always enjoyed a visit with her .Our deepest sympathy to you all .She will be missed .
Bryan and Sarah Hunter
We were so sad to hear of Mrs. Kodde’s illness and passing. She was the epitome of kindness and love. She truly lit up the room when she arrived at St. Nick or a DeGroot bonfire. Sarah and I loved her very much.
I will always have such fond memories of her and the way we felt her joy when she held our kids. One of my favourite things about Mrs. Kodde was the way she always held your hand or shoulder and looked directly at you whenever she spoke to you. She showed such genuine interest in everyone she spoke to and it filled us with joy every time we spoke.
Mr. Kodde we are so sorry for your loss but I’ve never known two people to love and care about each other so much. Thanks to both of you for being a model of what a loving marriage should be.
Gerald and Sharon and family, we love you and our hearts are hurting for you and with you. But we take comfort in knowing she is with God now and free from pain.
We are sorry we will be unable to attend the services this weekend but we will hold you in our hearts.
Wendy Heimrich
Lourens & family,
I’m so sorry to hear the loss of such a wonderful lady. Wilma was always so
Pleasant to talk to and always asked how things were going. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Huge hugs to all.
Wendy Heimrich
John and Lena Pasma
Dear Kodde family,
Our condolences with the passing of Wilma. Both your parents were friends of my parents, Jan and Jans Joosse. I also know Gerald as he was friends with our son Mike. May your comfort be in the fact of God’s grace also for your Mom. She is now whole and in the presence of her Lord and Saviour.
Enjoyed reading the obit.
Susan Cook
Lauren’s, Gerald, Sharon and family,
Deepest condolences to all. Wilma was always a joy to talk with. I remember her always running out to the field with treats for me. She will be dearly missed.
Jerry Martens and Joyce Frew
Dear Kodde Family – Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. So many wonderful memories for you to all share of a wonderful Wife, Mom, Oma, friend and neighbour. Jerry and Joyce
Bill and Marilyn Hack
We are so sorry to hear of Wilma,s passing. She was such a kind person. We have wonderful memories of her. Please accept our condolence at this sad time. We will keep your family in our prayers.
Bill and Marilyn Hack
Pete and Willy Oussoren
Our sincere sympathy with the passing away of Wilma to Gods Glory. May the Lord be with you and give you strenght in the days to come and after. We have beautiful memories of Wilma. We will always remember her interest and hospitality. It was such a gift. In our thoughts and prayers.
Kelly Hack
So sorry for your loss. Sending our condolences to the Kodde Family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Scott and Kelly Hack
Corrine Hummel
I always enjoyed seeing her when she visited you in Owen Sound and when we would see her in Exeter. She was very compassionate.
Wilma Simonse
Our hearts go out to Lou and family as Wilma was a special woman who was so kind to everyone. May you find strength in each other during this time.
Roy & MJ van Kasteren
Gerald , Sharon & Family,
We are sorry to read about the loss of your Mother, May you find strength in the memories you have, sending love and hugs!
joan mitchell
Gerald Sharon and family
I’m sorry to read about your moms passing, was just thinking of your mom and dad at Christmas time..
Sending warm thoughts and love to the family..Joan
Linda & Jerry Traquair
Our most sincere condolences to Lourens, Jacqueline & family and Gerald and family, and to the extended Kodde and Branderhorst families. I enjoyed chats with Wilma about her childhood visits with her neighbour, our Grandma Edna Traquair. The story of her wedding week / Hensall Tornado was really ‘something else.’ She was a remarkable woman.
Mark Heimrich
Lourens & Family;
We offer our sincere condolences to all of you in the passing of Wilma. She certainly was a lovely lady. You remain in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Mark & Julie Heimrich & staff at Lifetime Water Products, Exeter.
Ben & Trudy Kop & family
Oom Lourens, Jacqueline, Gerald and family,
We are all very sorry to hear of Tante Wilma’s passing. She was such a thoughtful, kind woman who will be dearly missed by many – a true definition of a friend.
Sending our love
Anne and Bert Langendyk
To all of the Kodde and Branderhorst Families
Our Condolences sent with love, prayers and cares in the passing of Wilma. She was a kind hearted soul and will be missed by all.
Bert and Anne Langendyk
Margaret den Otter
My condolences Jacquie, Kevin and children. May you find comfort in knowing that mom and oma is with Jesus. My prayers are with you as you journey through the next few days.
Joyce Garrett
So very sorry for your loss. Wilma always had time to chat and listen. Great lady, always cheerful. She will be dearly missed by many. Cherish the many memories. Thinking of you at this very difficult time.
Roy & Janet Voorberg
Jacquie and Kevin and all your dear Family; We send our love and heart felt concern for you as you walk this pathway of your Mother, Grand Mother, Mother in Law, passing into Glory. We pray that your family will be filled with God’s blessings and sufficient Grace to cover your loss and sorrow. With Love
Adrian & Sara Karasmanis
Our condolences to you and your family Jacquie.
May you feel God’s love and comfort with you everyday as you cherish all the memories.
May God give you strength and peace as you mourn and gather to remember her.
Adrian & Sara Karasmanis
Jim and Lynda Hodgins
Louren and family – so sorry to hear of Wilma’s passing. She was such a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. We know she is in the loving arms of Jesus.
Jim and Lynda Hodgins
John and Cheryl Cook
Lourens, Gerald, Sharon and family
We are so very sorry for your loss. Thinking of and praying for you during this very sad time. May your many happy memories bring you some comfort.
Janelle Groenewegen
So sorry to hear of Tanta Wilma’s passing. I always loved visiting with her and talking when she was down visiting my grandpa Hank. May you find comfort in the wonderful memories of what an amazing, caring woman she was. Thinking of you all and sending my love to uncle Lowe. ❤️
Jacomien Kodde
Ome Lou, Jacqueline en Gerald, wat hadden jullie een lieve, fijne echtgenote en moeder. Wij waren ook heel dol op tante Wilma en zullen haar erg missen. Veel sterkte en liefs voor allen die haar lief hadden!
Lopers Alice
So sorry Jacquie, Kevin and family.
She is spending Christmas with Jesus and her love for Him will live through her family.
Melinda Lubbers
I’m so sorry to hear that Tante Wilma has passed, but I take comfort in knowing she is with her Lord. She was a favourite of mine, always so kind and genuinely interested in what was happening in my life. And I will always remember her baking, man, she made the most delicious treats. I wish I could have stood with her and learned from her how she created the treats she made.
Harry Kalsbeek & Ilona Kormany
Jacqueline and Kevin DeRaaf & family,
We are sorry for your loss and we extend our condolences to you and your family. Of course we did not know your Mom, but her story tells so much that she will be greatly missed by all her family and her friends. May God be with you all through this difficult time. May the void that she leaves behind give you all wonderful memories of her for a lifetime, and that you know you will re-unite with your Mom, Oma once again.
Mary-Ann Welland
Our condolences on your loss and may God’s love give you comfort and strength as you say goodbye to her.
Matt & Mary-Ann Welland and family.
Emma, Abbey and Brent
Caleb and family,
We are so very sorry to hear of your loss, sending lots of love and thinking of you and your whole family at this time.
Patricia Spence
Losing a mom is very difficult. Yours sounded like a family treasure. Hold tight to those wonderful memories. Our sincere condolences to all.
Bill and Grace Westerhof
Wilma was a blessing to many people, especially to our Mom, Grace Hummel. Always gracious, loving and hospitable. May the lovely memories and the comfort of Scripture sustain those left behind.
Ray & Dawn Oude Voshaar
Lourens, Gerald& Sharon and Family
Wilma was truly a Special Lady! We have fond memories of our Time in Exeter of Wilma and her Kindness. She always took a Special Interest in anyone in her Church Family & Children’s Friends. Praying for Peace during this time! Sending Much Love & Hugs to you all!
JoAnne van Wieren
I am sorry to read about your loss. My condolences go to the Kodde and the Branderhorst families. May you find peace, strength and comfort from the loved ones around you.
Fred and Aileen Knip
Our sincere condolences to the entire Kodde and Branderhorst family in the passing of Wilma. May you find peace, comfort, and all the love you need in the days to come.
Jamie Wilson
Gerald, Sharon, Nathan, and family,
I am so sorry for your loss and hope the love of your friends and family help you through this time. Sending much love to all of you.