With great sadness we announce the passing of our much loved mother Johanna Verberne (van Gerwen) in her 97th year at Stratford General Hospital on Wednesday, February 28, 2024. Beloved wife for 58 years of the late Joseph Verberne (2011), also predeceased by her second husband Joe Van Dooren (2018), Johanna was the last remaining member of the van Gerwen family. Dear mother of Rini (Doug Erb), Martin (Nancy), Frank (Mary Ann), Rita (Don Miller), Richard (Mary), Joe and Mary (Peter Russell). Loving Oma to Jason, Angela (Mike), Michelle (Derek); Chad (Alicia), Brett (Jennifer), Kyle (Hilary); Chris (Liz), Barry, Linda (Jason), Denise (Steven); Mercedes; Kevin, Dave (Amanda), Krista (Mike), Kelly (Colin); Kaitlin, Jey and Kieran (Zoe). Caring Super Oma to Astrid, Muirgen, August; Chelsea (Trent), Ashleigh, Amelia; Logan, Tyler, Denver, Kasen, Luken; Ellie, Ethan; Henry, Lincoln; Alex, Theo, Charlie; Sammy, Hayden; Cate; Jill, Olivia, Allison; Brooklyn, Harrison; Lauryn, Nick; Clare; and baby Russell.
Born in Holland on January 5, 1928, the bulk of Johanna’s teenage years were spent in occupied Holland during WWII. Despite this harsh environment, Johanna persevered in her gregarious, positive manner and met her husband-to-be, Joe Verberne. In December 1952, she emigrated to Canada to start a new life with Joe, and on January 5, 1953 they were married, Johanna’s 25th birthday. Nine years later, they had seven children and established a home in Seaforth, Ontario.
Courage was the backbone of Johanna’s existence. Maya Angelou states that “Without courage, we cannot practice any other virtue with consistency. We can’t be kind, true, merciful, generous, or honest.” Johanna had the moral strength and the creative resourcefulness to withstand the challenges encountered in raising their children, learning a new language, and maintaining a healthy and prosperous home. Her indomitable spirit and devoted faith infused their lives with joy and laughter.
Johanna was the queen of DIY. She could paint, paper and panel any room, all without the help of HGTV, Google or YouTube. We can still see her refinishing the 10-foot pine ceiling in the farm kitchen…scraping off old paint, staining and varnishing… while standing on a chair on the kitchen table! Johanna was a seamstress extraordinaire. From wedding dresses to winter coats, and formal draperies to heirloom blankets, her sewing skills were always in demand. Johanna had a natural talent for cooking good food. Her soups made from ingredients from her garden, her roasted chicken dinners and her Dutch dishes like strife, worstenbroodjes (every Christmas Eve) and oliebollen were regular requests in the Verberne household.
We are extremely grateful to the doctors and nurses at both Alexandra Marine and General Hospital, Goderich, and Stratford General Hospital for their kindness, compassion and exceptional care shown to Mom and her family in our time of need. Special thanks also to the staff of Seaforth Long Term Care and Retirement Community for their dedication and great care given to Mom.
Visitation and funeral mass will be held at St. James Roman Catholic Church, 22 Victoria Street, Seaforth on Saturday, March 23, 2024. Visitation will be from 9 – 10:30 AM followed by the funeral mass at 11 AM with Father Ronnie Tagnines presiding. Spring interment St. James Roman Catholic Cemetery, Seaforth. Haskett Funeral Home, SEAFORTH entrusted with arrangements.
Stream the service live or at your convenience by visiting www.facebook.com/haskettfh.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, Alzheimer Society or Heart and Stroke Foundation would be appreciated by the family.
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).
Piet and Rose Loomans
Dear Verberne family.
Your mom valiantly came to Canada with the wave of immigrants from Holland. I remember the early years when our fathers both worked @ Stacey Brothers in Mitchell. Such a humble time with so many visions of what could be. She certainly charged forward and accepted the challenges in building a nest for her family. She instilled her zest for life and the will to succeed to her future generations. A life well lived!
Rose and I have always enjoyed being together for various family celebrations through Richard and Mary. May your memories of how she lived her life comfort you in your loss. Our sincere condolences.
Piet and Rose Loomans
Joan Roe
To the entire Verberne family, we would like to offer our sincere sympathy . Thinking of all of you at this difficult time. Rob & Joan (Flanagan) Roe
Janet Mckinnon
Rini, Doug & family
I am so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. Treasure all your wonderful memories. Love & prayers coming your way.
Janet McKinnon
Dymph Verberne
Beste familie Verberne,
Mijn diepste medeleven met jullie allen bij het heengaan van jullie moeder oma en over
groot moeder ik wens iedereen heel veel sterkte met dit verlies.
Allan & Mary-Lou Murray
Our deepest condolences to all of the Verberne families on the loss of your mother.
Also, sorry we are unable to be at St. James on the 23rd as we are away. Thinking of all of you.
Brian and Wendy Murray
Sincere condolences to the Verberne family. Never easy to lose a mother or grandmother no matter what age you may be. Wonderful that the grandchildren will also have many memories to pass on.
Alex and Dymphie Veens
Sincerest condolences to the Verberne family.
Ricki Vansteelandt
My sincere condolences in the loss of your wonderful mom and Oma who always greeted everyone with a smile. May your faith and love comfort you in this time of sorrow!
Ricki Vansteelandt
Cathy & Paul Hulley
Our deepest and heartfelt sympathies go out to you all at this very sad and difficult time. Cherish the wonderful memories forever in your hearts.
Harry and Donna Arts
Our very deepest sympathies to the entire Verberne family. Your Mom/Grandmother was indeed blessed to have such a well lived, wonderful long life, surrounded by a loving family. May she now rest in peace.
We are unable to attend the visitation and funeral mass but please know that we are thinking of you during this sad time.
Jo Van Loon and Cinth Vogels
Our deepest sympathies to all the Verberne families with the loss of your Mom! She was always a friendly smiling face when you met her. Her generation of immigrant ladies were amazing!
Gerda and Cor Vanden Hoven
Sincere sympathy to the Verberne family. Your parents were good friends with my parents. We often helped out when you needed to be babysat, so many years ago. Joanne was always very friendly and helpful. May you recall the happy times as you say good bye to a dear mother, grandmother and great-grandma.
Connie & Mike Marion
So sorry to hear of mom’s passing! Deepest sympathy to the whole Verberne family. Hugs and prayers to all of you.
Gerry & Nancy O’Reilly
Frank, Mary Ann, & all the Verberne family. We are sorry to hear of the loss of your Mom. Treasure the great memories she has left behind. You’re in our thoughts & prayers. Gerry & Nancy O’Reilly
George & Hilda Ridley
Sending our condolences to all of the Verberne family at this sad time.
Dennis and Lorrie O'Reilly
Our sincere condolences to all of the Verberne families. She will certainly be missed!
Doug and Nancy Anstett
Sending our sincere sympathy to all of the Verberne families. Cherish your memories
Liz Moir
My deepest sympathy to you and your families.
Hugs,
Liz
Janice & Brett
To the Verberne family our deepest sympathy for your mom, cherish the memories forever!! ♥️♥️♥️♥️
Lots of love Brett & Janice Finlayson
Marian Finlayson
Dear Verberne Family,
My deepest sympathy to you and your families. May your memories be a comforting gift for all of you. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Mahlon and Pearl Ann
To Rini & Doug, Our deepest condolences on the passing of your Mother…..
Our prayers are with you as you grieve this loss….Love & Prayers…..Pearl Ann & Mahlon Martin
Julianna Barnes
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your mother.
As a neighbour growing up beside the family, I came to know her. She was a beautiful person!
Julianna (Rau) Barnes
Dan, Sylvie, Jeff and Matt Devereaux
Frank, Mary Ann and family. Thinking of you during this difficult time. Keep the memories close.
Kevin, Mary, Curtis(Nicole) and Courtney Bennett
Frank, Mary Ann and the Verberne Family. Deepest sympathies on the passing of Johanna. What an incredible life she lived and the legacy she left behind. Thinking of you all.
Judy Jansen
Sending my thoughts and prayers to all of the Verberne families. Losing a Mom, Grandma and Great Grandma is hard no matter the age. Cherish all the memories.
Wim and Toos
Sorry for your loss. We sympathize with you.
Wim and Toos Verberne from Holland
Carla Bel
My condolences to the whole family. 2 people went abroad and started a new life in Canada and look what they built: a Verberne-empire. Look after each other and take care. Keep the good memories alive.
Marlene/ Dave de Vries
Our sincere Sympathies to you all. What an Obituary! So interesting. Our mother too ,endured her teenage years in Europe during WW1 1
and then emigrated to Canada. What a journey. We have no real concept of what they went through! Treasure the Memories. Thoughts and prayers . ❤️
Carolanne Doig
To Frank, Richard and all the family my sincere condolences at this sad time. Your mom had a long and good life, but regardless of our ages, it is a life changing event to lose your mother. The memories created in her many years will make you smile.
peter and Seline visser
Our Deepest Sympathies to the Verberne Familys
Koos VandenBoomen and Family
Heartfelt sympathy to the entire family. We share found memories over the past many years of Sjef and Jo.
We will all miss her.
Koos.
Ken and Elaine DeCorte
To the Verberne family – very sorry to hear about the loss of your mom.
Ken and Elaine DeCorte
Dan & Julie Turkheim
Rini, Doug and families, our condolences on the loss of your mother.
Doug Hildebrand
Richard and family, so sorry to hear about your Mom. Thinking of you at this sad time. Doug & Lori
D Cornish
Our condolences to you and your family Frank.
Donna and Dean Cornish
Rose Erb
Condolences to Rini, Doug and the entire Verberne family. She was a lovely lady and I’m sure will be missed by everyone who knew her.
John and Sharen Forrest
Sending our deepest sympathy to the Verberne family. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Ann (Rivers) Preszcator
Dear Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
Rudy Jansen
Deepest condolences to all the Verberne Families . ❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹. Rudy Mary
Margaret Belisle
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mother Rita. My sympathies to you, Don and Mercedes and all the family. My thought and prayers to everyone.
Margaret Belisle
Dorothy Medd + Russ Jackson
Thinking of everyone and extending sincere sympathy. Sending hugs.
Doug & Sharon Wolfe
Martin, Nancy and family,
Our Sincere Condolences for the loss of your Mom/Grandma/Great-Grandma.
Wish you peace and comfort for the days ahead.
Sorry for your loss.
regi whyte
to all
May your memories keep your hearts happy.
Riny and Bill
Sue & Rob Nigh
Sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you all 🙏🏻
Jeanette Connolly
My deepest sympathies to the Verberne families. Bask in the memories ♥️
Ron and Dianne Ducharme
The Verberne Family
Our thoughts and prayers are with
all of you at this very sad time
Brian & Helen Oldfield
Sending sincere condolences to the Verberne family at this sad time.
Helen & Brian Oldfield and Fred Tilley
Gerry and Mary Armstrong
Sorry to hear of the loss of your mom
Gerry and Mary Jane Armstrong.(Rau)
Doug and Joyce McBeath
Our sympathy to Rini, Doug and family on your loss. Your mom sounds like an amazing woman
Gail Vivian
Martin Nancy and family ,
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one. She sounded like an incredible woman. Hopefully all those memories will bring you many years of joy when you think of her ❤️
Jenn&Chad Patterson
Aunt Rini, Uncle Doug, Jason, Angela, Michelle and families. Sending you our love in the loss of your amazing mom & Oma. Xoxo