Obituary of Irene May Van Zandwyk

With great sadness we announce the passing of our beloved mother on Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, at the Welland Hospital, at the age of 91. Predeceased by her dear husband Marten to whom she had been married for 60 years. She is greatly missed by her children, Jantina Van Zandwyk (Mike Rausch) of Nanaimo, Rev. Sheila Van Zandwyk of St. Catharines, Marty (Ilene Bartley) Van Zandwyk of Port Colborne and Susan (John) Hill of North Vancouver. Beloved Grandma of Lukas and Quinn Rausch and Veronica and Devon Hill. Predeceased by her parents Robert and Gertrude, sisters Sheila and June and brother Alan. Loving aunt to many nieces and nephews.

Irene was born in St. Catharines on June 18, 1932.  She attended St. Catharines Collegiate and worked as a secretary at the Canadian Bank of Commerce for over 10 years and as the secretary at Maranatha and Covenant CRC churches for more than 20 years.  Irene grew up attending Knox Presbyterian church and when she and Marten married, they attended the Christian Reformed church. Her faith and church family were foundational to her life and she was very involved in many areas of the church.  She loved music and sang in choirs most of her life, singing solos at Knox Church and singing with the New Life Choir for years. She loved movies and the theatre and read voraciously, with the library being one of her favourite places.  Irene was a positive, cheerful person for whom care of her family was central.  Knowing she is safe in the arms of Jesus is our comfort. She will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be at Covenant Christian Reformed Church, 278 Parnell Rd., St. Catharines on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023 from 6-8 pm, with the funeral at the church on Friday, Dec. 15, 2023 at 11 am. Private family burial at Victoria Lawn Cemetery.

To view Irene's service please click on the link below.

https://youtube.com/live/WNvmamQTP4c?feature=share