GELDERMAN, Ali Gelderman

She was predeceased by her husband, Jan Gelderman, in 1993 and leaves to mourn her loss her children Hank and Jacoba (Post) Gelderman, Gertrude and Solke De Boer, Albert Gelderman, Harry and Yolanda† (Hermanus) Gelderman, and Janetta and Bob Howson, 23 grandchildren, and 72 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her grandson Timothy Gelderman and her 15 siblings, as well as all her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Ali was born in the hamlet of Oud-Avereest, The Netherlands, on November 10, 1929, the 11th of 16 children born to Hendrik and Geertruida de Olde. She immigrated to Canada in 1951, just weeks after getting married. Alongside her husband, Ali displayed an adventurous spirit and not long after landing in Winnipeg, MB, Jan’s job required a move to Lake of the Woods, a place she loved – living in the middle of nature. However, seeing no future for themselves there, they moved to Ontario in 1953 to follow up on Jan’s heartfelt desire to be a landscaper. Ali always stood one hundred percent beside her husband as he started up a landscaping business and nursery. She learned to take customer phone calls even though English was still a challenge, and she always helped with the nursery work. Ali never complained, not when her husband worked long hours, and not when money was always scarce; rather she always encouraged Jan especially in those early sparse years. Ali was strong in her Christian faith, trusting in God to provide for the needs of her growing family. Her wedding text, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matt 6:33) was always very much her focus. After a move into town because of Jan’s health, Ali began doing volunteer work. Her first job was at Mayfield School for the mentally handicapped, a job that became very dear to her heart. She loved working with special needs people and developed life-long friendships with many of them. She also loved visiting the Anchor homes for the handicapped. After Mayfield School closed, Ali volunteered for many years at John Calvin School in Burlington, helping students who needed extra assistance, or teaching handicrafts, something else she loved doing.

For many years Ali was poor, but she always had room in her heart and home for others in need, whatever that need was. Numerous children, teens, and adults stayed in her home – some for a week, some for two, and others for years – where they found both security and a listening ear.

She was not afraid to try new things, learning to drive at 51 and loving it. She had a lead foot and drove all over Southern Ontario, including the freeways, until she was 88. She rode a horse for the first time in her late 60’s, learned landscape painting at 65, and travelled extensively with her husband and later by herself.

Ali Gelderman was not perfect by any means, but she daily lived her faith and taught us to do the same. She will be dearly missed but we rejoice in that she is now enjoying pleasures forevermore with her dear Lord and Saviour in glory.

Special thanks to the staff at Village Manor, including the palliative care team, the Carpenter Hospice, and all the personal care workers who helped her over the years, especially during the last nine months. Donations to Anchor Homes or the Carpenter Hospice would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.

Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at KITCHING, STEEPE & LUDWIG FUNERAL HOME, 146 Mill St.N., Waterdown. The Interment Service will take place at BURLINGTON MEMORIAL GARDENS on Thursday, July 9, 2026 at 9:45 a.m. with a Memorial Service to follow at REDEMPTION CANADIAN REFORMED CHURCH, 823 Safari Road, Millgrove at 11 a.m., Rev. Jake Torenvliet officiating. A lunch reception will be held in the church hall.

Please sign the Tribute Wall.

Visitation
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
2:00PM – 4:00PM
Kitching, Steepe & Ludwig Funeral Home
146 Mill Street North
Waterdown, ON L0R 2H0

Visitation
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
6:00PM – 8:00PM
Kitching, Steepe & Ludwig Funeral Home
146 Mill Street North
Waterdown, ON L0R 2H0

Graveside Service
Thursday, July 9, 2026
9:45AM
Burlington Memorial Gardens
3353 Guelph Line
Burlington, ON L7P 0S7

Memorial Service
Thursday, July 9, 2026
11:00AM
Redemption Canadian Reformed Church
823 Safari Road
Millgrove, ON L8B 1S4

Final Resting Place
Burlington Memorial Gardens
3353 Guelph Line
Burlington, ON L7P 0S7