Fay Vanderveen (Sinnema)
January 23, 1930 - February 6, 2023
Tribute
With gratitude for her long life and deep sadness, we say goodbye to our Mom; born in
Goutam, Friesland, Holland. Fay with her parents and siblings arrived in Canada in
1953, in Gander, Newfoundland followed by a long train ride to Prince George where
Fay supported the family working as a Nurse at Prince George Hospital. In 1954 she
moved to Abbotsford where she worked at MSA Hospital. Fay met her husband Tommy
of 65 years in Abbotsford, she was a Nurse, Homemaker and partner with Tommy in
their Dairy farming, livestock buying, selling and exporting business on Sumas Prairie. Fay wore many
hats, from sewing and knitting, as a member of the Upper Sumas Women’s Institute, to
supporting her girls in their flower shop and bridal shop to driving tractor and milking
cows. In their younger days Fay and Tommy enjoyed their Sumas Prairie community,
where they often gathered for an impromptu kitchen party or a Saturday night dance, to
break up their life of hard work. Even a quick drive to the Thompson River in the
pouring rain for a day of Salmon fishing was welcome respite from the farm. When they
could get away Fay loved to travel including Europe, Fiji, Australia, Panama Canal,
Mexico -many wonderful destinations and memories to recall in their sunset years.
Fay’s humour and sense of mischief will be long remembered by all who loved her. Fay
was predeceased by her brother John and her daughter Susie and is survived by her
husband Tommy, children Gerri (Doug) Cindy, Allen Tom, Trevor and Jeffrey.
Grandchildren Matthew (Janelle), Carly, Curtis (Kristen), Ted (Julie), Alexis (Bruce).
Great-Grandchildren Ember, Charlotte, Easton, Ava, Ella, Amelia, Eleanor and Allen.
She will also be missed by her sister Shirley, Nephew Bobby (Char) Sisters-in-law
Grace, Jelske and the Holland and Matsqui cousins.
The family wishes to thank the staff of The Mayfair for their kindness and care of Mom
over the past 5 months.
A Memorial service will be held on Friday February 24, 2023 at 1pm at Cascade
Community Church 35190 Delair Rd., Abbotsford.
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to your favourite charity or the BC Children’s
Hospital.
Condolences
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From: Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home
Wiebe and Jeske Funeral Home Staff send our condolences to family and friends.
From: Sytse de Boer
Relation: Family
How we will miss you Aunt Fay
You were always direct and honest, strictly business like, but at the same time also caring and sweet.
Who will never forget the time we spent with you and uncle Tom in Canada and your coming and wonderful times here in Friesland.
(Personally I will never forget the words, Sytse you Klootzak,)
We will miss you Tante Fay
Uncle Tom and Family our condolences on this loss and lots of strength
Jelske, Foppe and Thea,Jannie and Sytse
From: Susie Arbour
Relation: Through my work Mark’s Abbotsford
My condolences to the family and friends of Fay. She was a classy woman and her sense of humour was unforgettable. Her suffering has ended, she is now at peace. 🙏
From: Catherine Martin
Relation: Fay use to shop At Suzannes, as did Gerri and Cindy.
Dear Gerri, CINDY and family members I send my deepest sympathy to you all. Fay was a lady I use to help when she needed a new item in her wardrobe so she would come see me at Suzanne’s. I have not seen her for years but I will never forget her how I enjoyed our conversations. I know she was very much loved. I can not attend as I am working but will say my own silent prayer for her. God love you all as you go through this time together. Big hugs Gerri and Cindy.
From: John G. Smith
Relation: Sumas Prairie resident and family friend for over 40 years
I am so sorry to learn of the passing of Fay. A lovely, caring lady who over a long and productive life, touched many lives with her humour, positive attitude and willingness to help others. I am so sorry that my dear departed wife Judy, could not be the one to write this eulogy to Fay; it would be far more eloquent in her words. I remember Judy telling me on more than one occasion, how Fay was “a lady who got things done.” They were both members of the Upper Sumas Women Institute, and Judy would tell me how impressed she was with Fay’s work ethic and her positive can-do, indominable attitude. Whether raising six children plus her grandson, providing strong support for Tommy on their large dairy farm or volunteering in the community, Fay was someone you wanted on your team. Always quick with humorous repartee, Fay was a lovely lady with a winning attitude and a warm smile. And Fay’s sincerity and integrity always showed through, not mincing words if something had to be said. We’ll miss you Fay, as you look down upon your life’s work, and light up your face with your winning smile. Tommy and Family, please accept my sincere condolences on your loss. To the angels in Heaven – you just acquired a winner for your team! Rest in peace Fay, you deserve a break.
From: Kirsten Brodeur
Relation: Ex-husband worked on the farm for Tommy
Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. She will be sorely missed by family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with you and family. God bless all of you at this time of sorrow.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
Date & Time:
February 24, 2023
Beginning at 1:00pm
Location:
Cascade Community Church
35190 Delair Road
Abbotsford, BC Canada
35190 Delair Road
Abbotsford, BC Canada
Memorial Gifts
Memorial donations will be gratefully accepted to:
Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to your favourite charity or the BC Children’s
Hospital.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered directly through our supplier for delivery throughout the entire lower mainland, from Hope to Vancouver:
Wiebe & Jeske Funeral Home
202-31314 Peardonville Rd.
Abbotsford BC
V2T 6K8
info@wiebeandjeskefh.com
604-859-5885
When ordering please have the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral service and the address/phone number of the delivery location for handy reference.
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