Elizabeth (Betty) Van Hezewyk (nee Vonk) passed away peacefully on November 17, 2024, at the age of 89, surrounded by the love and comfort of her children. Predeceased in 2016 by Gerry, her beloved husband of 59 years, Betty was the proud mother of Jane (Don Campbell), John, Mary (Peter Menzies), Marg (Mark Lacy), Gerry (Cecilia Latorre), and Peter (Jennifer). She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and as a cherished “Oma” and “Special Oma” to many.
Betty immigrated to Canada from the Netherlands at the age of 15, bringing her resilience and strong work ethic. Over the years, she dedicated herself to her family, her community, and her faith. As a volunteer, Betty contributed to many organizations, including the Pickering Boy Scouts, the Rose of Durham, and St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store. Her dedication was recognized in 1996 when she received the Pope John Paul II Medal for Volunteer Service.
In retirement, Betty enjoyed extensive travel, reading, and family gatherings where her famous meatball soup was a highlight. Her family remembers her as a loving matriarch and community organizer who lived with purpose and heart. Rest easy, Mom. There’s nothing left to organize. We’ve got it from here.
Visitation will be held at Oshawa Funeral Home, 847 King Street West, Oshawa, on Tuesday, November 19, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A funeral mass will take place on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 10:30 AM at St. John the Evangelist Parish, 903 Giffard Street, Whitby. Interment will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, Whitby.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Betty’s memory may be made to The Rose of Durham or The Society of Saint Vincent de Paul.
Messages of condolence and shared memories can be left for the family by visiting Mount Lawn Funeral Home.
Posted by Anne O’Driscoll on November 19, 2024:
“What an amazing person your mother, Betty, was, Marg! Eileen just shared her obituary with us, and I’m so impressed with her lifetime of hard work, enthusiasm, organisational skills, kindness, and vim and vigour. On behalf of your O’Driscoll cousins in Ireland, may I convey our heartfelt sympathy to you and Mark and to all Betty’s friends who will miss her dearly.”
