Gerda Van Strien

Gerda Van Strien passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on September 11, 2023 at 9:48pm at Mill Creek Care Centre, 3 days prior to her 105th Birthday.

Gerda, lovingly known to many as Oma, was born on September 15, 1918 in Holland. Oma married David Van Strien (predeceased) and, along with their son Melle, immigrated to Thunder Bay in 1955. Oma was a woman of deep faith, enjoyed photography and crocheting baby blankets.  She loved hockey and hated to miss a Leafs game on the TV.  Oma took great joy in visits with friends and family that always included coffee, cookies and a warm wave goodbye.   

Oma leaves behind her beloved son Melle (Donna) Van Strien; granddaughters Jennifer Winsor (Tubo) and Cyndii (Blair) Kelly; great grandchildren Marshall, Gabrielle (Jordan), Rieley Van Strien, Parker, Makena and honourary great grandchild Ben Lawlor. Oma is fondly remembered by nieces Jean, Audrey, Orma and Wilma and her many great and great great nieces and nephews.  Oma will be missed by her many friends from Tollendale Village and Mill Creek.

A visitation will be held on September 30, 2023 from 12 - 1pm with a service to follow from 1 – 2pm, at Basic Funerals and Cremation Choices at 152 Bradford Street in Barrie, Ontario with a reception to follow.  For those that cannot attend but would like view the service, click here to register for the live stream. Oma will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens in Thunder Bay at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to breast cancer research in honour of the late Karen Morrison and her passionate Burlington/Hamilton/Oakville Run for the Cure Team Forever Carin’ for Karen.