Obituary of Gysje Groenendyk

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Gysje (Mary) Groenendyk.  Gysje had been slowly declining from complications she suffered from a stroke in 2014. She passed away peacefully after a short stay in Palliative Care on Monday, May 8, 2017.  Gysje was predeceased by her loving husband Jacob; parents Marina and Stoffel Wesdyk; and brother Bart.  Gysje is survived by her daughters, Elaine Groenendyk, Jeanette (Eric) Johansen, and Diane Groenendyk; grandchildren Erin, Colin and Jacob; her loving companion Martin Koot and his family; sister Janny Vanderstoel; brothers Leen (Audrey) Wesdyk, Arie (Clary) Wesdyk, Henk (Elsie) Wesdyk; other close family members include Rita Groenendyk of Regina, Janna Visbeen, Aren (Ria) Groenendyk, Ai (Yvonne) Groenendyk, all of The Netherlands; numerous nieces and nephews in Canada and overseas.  Gysje is also remembered by many close friends made throughout her life in Holland, Regina and while traveling, crafting, and working at Sears. Gysje was born in Sommelsdijk, The Netherlands, and immigrated to Regina with her family after the North Sea Flood of 1953.   Her future husband, Jacob Groenendyk, was already in Regina awaiting her arrival.  Gysje worked at Mel Hill Beverages before she and Jacob wed on July 14, 1956.  She spent many years as a homemaker, bringing up her daughters while honing her talents in baking, knitting, macramé and developing her later passion for card making.  Gysje’s return to the workforce, at Sears, made possible numerous vacations to Hawaii and trips back to Holland to visit family and friends.   Together Gysje and Jacob built their dream vacation summer home at Island View on Last Mountain Lake.  Gysje loved to nurture her garden and flowerbeds each summer. Gysje was a long time member of First Presbyterian Church.  She was a gifted soprano and shared a love of music with her husband Jacob.  Together they were members of the church choir.  Gysje was a charismatic, devoted wife, mother and grandmother who loved and laughed easily and always had a twinkle in her beautiful blue eyes.  She will be dearly missed by everyone who knew her. Thank you to staff at William Albert House for providing such wonderful care of Gysje this past year.  We feel very fortunate to have found such a loving and compassionate care home.  We are forever grateful to the angels on 3A, Palliative Care, for their support during her short stay.  Memorial Service will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 2170 Albert Street, Regina, SK, on Monday, May 15, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Gysje may be made to the Regina Humane Society, Box 3143 Stn. Main, Regina, SK, S4P 3G7.