Benita Van Andel-Vandermey
January 8th, 2020
It is with deep sadness that the family of Benita Van Andel-Vandermey, announces her passing on January 08, 2020 in her 69th year. Mourning her loss are her husband Albert, her siblings Fred, Winy and Henk. Sister-in-law Arlene, brother-in-law Ralph and their families. Benita was predeceased by her parents, sister Janet, and brother Morris.
Benita was the youngest of seven children. She was a special person and favorite “Auntie Ben” to many nieces and nephews. She brought joy, love, passion and enthusiasm to everything she did. She loved Albert above all. She was an excellent teacher, always ready to share her gifts of leadership with church and community. Ben loved music and played piano at many occasions and church services. During the last years of her life, Benita suffered from the progression of Parkinson’s disease. We, her family and friends, will truly miss her. We are comforted knowing that Benita is at peace in God’s presence.
A memorial service in honor of Benita will take place on Monday January 20th, 2020 at 1PM at Fleetwood Christian Reformed Church. 9165 160 Street, Surrey, BC.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.
Messages:
Albert, I'm so sorry to hear about Benita's death. I have many fond memories of her as a colleague and as a friend. When I first moved to BC from Ontario years ago, she was so kind in opening her home to me when I arrived and helping me to get settled once my apartment was available. I remember so clearly how overwhelmed I was and how generous she was. We taught Grade 5 together for several years and we planned some fun projects together--- I remember working together to come up with as many different activities related to pumpkins as we could to try out with our students. When another colleague and I stepped into Benita's shoes for a year in an administrative role, we were delighted to discover that Benita had left us encouraging notes (and reminders!) that we found throughout the course of the year. Benita was an encouraging mentor and helped to shape me as an educator. I am thankful for her example. God comfort you and Benita's family as you grieve her loss from your lives. I am thankful that she has been freed from her illness and that she is whole and healed in the presence of her loving God.
Benita was a person of integrity with a heart of service and a warm spirit that inspired confidence, hope and love
Benieta was working at the Bank of Montreal in Vancouver during vacations from her studies in Grand Rapids in 1969. She drove with my uncle Simon Kouwenhoven and me to work in those weeks. I remember her as very friendly and hospitable. A truly kind person. I am sorry to read she got sick and her life was cut short. My condolences.