Obituary of Geerdina Helena Van der Tuuk

VAN DER TUUK, (Kay) Geerdina Helena

1922 - 2020

Geerdina (Kay) Helena Van Der Tuuk Hamming passed away peacefully at the Warm and Cozy Care Home on Saturday November 14th, 2020, after a long and spirited battle with dementia. Kay was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jan, her sister Lena and brother Bart Hamming. She leaves to mourn: her nieces,Tineke and Zwanet Hamming, as well as countless friends and extended family in Canada and The Netherlands.

Born in Bedum, The Netherlands, on September 29, 1922, Kay emigrated to Canada as a newlywed in 1953. Together, she and Jan embraced life on the Saskatchewan prairie from their charming home overlooking the river on Spadina Crescent East. In 1953 Kay started working for Drs. Daymond and Upthegrove and remained for decades expertly managing the offices of Drs. Collins, Dosman, Zadvorny, Guzik, Patterson, Kusch, and Chernoff. After retirement, she brought her bookkeeping skills to the Royal University Hospital Ladies Auxiliary as a volunteer.

Kay had a knack for creating a warm and gracious environment that welcomed friends of all ages. Many will remember conversations with Kay over tea and gouda cheese toast in the warmth of her sun-filled living room. She loved to be outdoors cycling the Meewasin trails, tending to her beautiful garden, or shovelling snow from her driveway. Kay will always be remembered as a kind, loving and steadfast friend. She will be missed by many.

Special thanks to the owners and staff of Warm and Cozy Care Home who brought joy and comfort to her final years and who worked so hard to keep her safe during COVID 19. Her cremated remains will be interred in the Netherlands beside her husband Jan. For those wishing to honour her memory, please consider a donation in her name to the Royal University Hospital Foundation.