GYSBERTJE “BABS” VEEN

On April 8, 2025, at the age of 94, with family by her side, our beloved mother, Gysbertje (Babs) Veen was called home to be with her Heavenly Father in her Eternal Home.

Mom was predeceased by her husband, John Veen, on November 13, 1999.

Mom leaves to mourn: her son, Gary Veen (Bonnie) from Fort McMurray, Alberta; and great- grandson, Liam. Her daughter, Debbie Veen-Haddad (Dave), from Winnipeg, Manitoba, her daughter Diane Halpern (Veen), from Winnipeg, her grandson, Ryan Haddad (Tami); and great grandchildren, Koral and Colby Haddad also from Winnipeg; and, Mom’s brother Jan VandePol (Ria) and their family from Ederveen, The Netherlands.

Being the selfless wonderful woman she was, Mom was also the second Mom to three beautiful women. Our parents took them under their wings and into our family when their parents passed away when they were young girls. They were always considered sisters to us, Gwen Ross-Cieslak (James), of Cochrane, Alberta, Lynn-Ross Colliou (Ray) of St. Laurent, Manitoba and Karen Ross, of Gabriola Island, British Columbia. Mom also leaves many lifelong cherished friends. A special love filled Mom’s heart with good friends Liz Foster, Patti Johnson, Heather Stewart, as well as John Nakielny and Jan Peters.

Mom was born in The Netherlands where she met Dad. They married May 12, 1950 and immigrated to Canada, landing in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Shortly after, her son Gary was born. A few years later, her daughter, Debbie was born. Dad’s job with Acres Engineering and then with Manitoba Hydro took our family to reside in Grand Rapids and Gillam in northern Manitoba then back to settle in Winnipeg where Diane was born. Diane was born with special needs. Both challenges and blessings came in raising a special needs child. Mom would say “God does not give you more than you can handle and when the going gets rough you lean on Him.”

It may be cliche but as mom’s children we can tell you we had the best childhood and the best parents anyone could ask for.

If you knew our mother … you knew that if you visited she always had the coffee brewing and homemade cookies on your arrival. The smell of delicious fresh baked Dutch brown bread and homemade Dutch soup was also a scent we became accustomed to growing up. And, those ever delicious “oliebollen” on New Year’s was the highlight of many a Christmas treat. We took many family Sunday night drives to look at the city Christmas lights. Mom loved flowers and you’d see them placed beautifully in every arrangement she made. Mom was an impeccable housekeeper, an amazing hostess for many a “bridge night”, special occasions, or holidays with friends and family. She was an incredible cook and homemade dessert, of course, always followed dinner. She was a talented seamstress and an avid knitter in her younger years. If someone had a baby, you would be fairly certain a knitted beautiful baby outfit would be gifted. Mom was a gifted home decorator who was always asked by others about how to “put things together “ to make your home a home. Mom had an amazing decorating eye. She would refinish countless old or antique pieces of furniture into incredible works of art including an old organ and an old piano that Dad would play every day. She was a wonderful friend to all who knew her, a member of Calvary Temple Church who lived a life rooted in unwavering faith. She enjoyed her “bible study” evenings with dear friends. Mom would spend countless hours listening and offering her wisdom and advice to anyone when needed. Mom was a faithful wife who, and you will read this correct… for 35 years, made Dad breakfast in bed every morning before he went to work. She also shined his shoes and pressed his dress shirts for work and yes, again, you read that correct. She was just that kind of wife, Mom and friend.

For many years Mom and Dad enjoyed their winter home in Leesburg, Florida. So many memories and family fun took place down south. Some of the best memories as kids were the road trips to Florida with the Kilgour family. Numerous family members and friends from Canada and The Netherlands were always welcomed with mom’s open arms. Summers as children were enjoyed by camping trips to Rushing River Ontario. Great memories.

Mom taught us kindness, instilled in us many values and was the strength of our family. She leaves behind a legacy of unwavering love and her memory will live on in our hearts forever.

Mom… Your unconditional love and thoughtful deeds have not only been beautiful examples but also the greatest gifts you could have given. There’s no way to ever repay you but prayers of thanks have gone up to God for the gift of you.

A special thank you to staff at Meadowood Manor Personal Care Home for the compassionate care and comfort you provided to Mom and to our family during her stay and in her final hours. We are forever grateful to you all.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Winnserv Inc. 101-90 Garry Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4H1. Winnserv is a community-based organization that serves and supports people with an intellectual disability.

Mom will be laid to rest with her late husband in a private family gathering on a future date.

A small gathering of close friends to celebrate mom’s life will take place early this summer at a date and location yet to be determined. Debbie, her daughter, will reach out to extend that invitation to those wishing to join in the celebration of her life.

Rest in peace Mom. We will miss you, and forever love you.

Babs'family kindly requests that all of her friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour her memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

1833 Portage Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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