Gabriel "Gabe" Van De Wiele
April 25, 1920 - February 24, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gabriel "Gabe" Van De Wiele, who passed away peacefully on February 24, 2025, at the age of 104. Born in Ninove, Belgium, on April 25, 1920, Gabe immigrated to Canada in 1928 with his parents, Victoria and Richard, and his brother Victor. The family settled in Chatham, Ontario, working in sugar beets before moving to Norfolk County to farm tobacco.
Gabe married Mary Theresa Vanderhoeven on December 9, 1942, and together they built a life growing tobacco in Elgin County near Aylmer. They later moved to Tillsonburg in 1969, where he spent the remainder of his life. Mary passed away on Good Friday, April 22, 2011.
Gabe will be fondly remembered by his daughter Yvonne (Al Cooper), and his many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Mary (née Vanderhoeven), parents Richard and Victoria (née Kosynski) Van De Wiele, brother Victor (Alida), and cousin Mary VanDeMaele (Ben).
Gabe had a passion for hunting, fishing, and NASCAR, attending races in Cayuga and Delaware, Ontario. He enjoyed watching westerns, The Red Green Show, Tommy Hunter, Gordie Tapp, The Flintstones, and Lawrence Welk. For a time, he served as a school board trustee for Our Lady of Fatima School in Elgin County.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the nurses, PSWs, Dr. Sikandar Hayat, Dr. Howard Lamb, Care Partners, and private caregivers Lou, Ellie, Dianne, and Dee for their exceptional care and compassion.
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes Chapel, 262 Broadway, Tillsonburg. A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s R.C. Church (51 Venison St. W, Tillsonburg), officiated by Rev. Fr. Seejo John. Interment will follow at Tillsonburg Cemetery.
In memory of Gabe, donations may be made to the Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice.
Memories and messages of condolence may be shared online at Verhoeve Funeral Homes.
