Linda Mary Van Leeuwen (Clarke)
July 6, 1946 - March 26, 2024
Tribute
With deep grief, we announce the unexpected passing of our dear mom, Linda Van Leeuwen,
on March 26, 2024 in Abbotsford, British Columbia. She was 77 years young and predeceased by
her loving husband Jack Van Leeuwen (August 1994). She is survived by her daughters Lisa Van Leeuwen (Steve Garton),
and Nicki (Patrick) Ellis and their two sons Derek and Nathan.
Linda was born in New Westminster on July 6, 1946, to Gordon and Lillian Clarke. She was the
much-anticipated sister to her big brother Larry Clarke. Linda grew up in Burnaby, blocks from
what is now Metrotown. Linda attended St. Mary’s Catholic School in her early days, then Notre
Dame, and graduated from Burnaby South. After graduation, Linda worked at the Royal Bank
of Canada in downtown Vancouver, before meeting the love of her life, Jack Van Leeuwen.
They were married on November 11, 1966, and Linda took on her new role as the wife of a dairy
farmer in Sumas Prairie.
On the farm, Linda was a wizard at entertaining. She was an expert at whipping up dinners for
crowds with no advance notice. She also welcomed Jack’s Dutch relatives into her home,
sometimes for months at a time and having no advance notice of their arrival.
Linda was a devoted mother and grandmother. While her daughters were growing up, she spent
her days sewing beautiful clothes and running them to various extra curricular events in
between working tax season at what became KPMG. She continued her family devotion with
her grandsons who she adored. She was always available to take them wherever they needed
to go and only missed sports and band events when she was at a bridge tournament or
travelling, which were her other great passions. Linda travelled the world and had so many more
places she was hoping to see. Her last travel adventure was with her dear friend Deb Erickson,
only a month before she unexpectedly fell ill to cancer.
Linda will forever be remembered as an upbeat, energetic, and happy person who never had an
unkind word for anyone. She will be fondly missed by many. A private celebration of life will be
held mid-spring by invitation only.
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: Vlake Iris
I also was a friend of Linda’s. When Linda and Deb started taking up bridge they asked me for some help, so we used to play at their homes each week. We had a lovely time.
I was absolutely shocked to hear that she had cancer, I’m sure this was something that everyone was unaware of.
Sorry to you girls and the grandkids, whom she always talked about.
Iris vlake😍🙏🏽
Service Schedule
Private service arrangements have been made.
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
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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
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