Obituary of Roelofje Van Noort

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother Roelofje (Ruth) van Noort (nee van Gulik) on June 8, 2020 at the age of 106. Mom passed away peacefully with her youngest daughter Rose by her side. Predeceased by her husband and our father William (1982), her son William Jr. (2018), her daughter Sonja McPhail (2018) and her sons-in-law Ted McEwen (1989) and Lorne McPhail (2017). Loving mother of Kathy McEwen, John van Noort (Coba), Dwight van Noort, Rose Marie Kloppenburg (Carl) and Mother-in-law of Eleanor van Noort. Proud Nanny of Michael (Jennifer) and Matthew (Amélie) van Noort, Bruce van Noort, Tom Kloppenburg (Erin), Michelle Kloppenburg (Derek) and Sam Kloppenburg. Great grandmother to Emily and Joshua van Noort, Henri and Léo van Noort, and Emmett Kloppenburg. Mom was born in Rotterdam, the Netherlands in 1913. She grew up in Amsterdam and married our father there in 1937. Shortly after their marriage, they left for the Dutch West Indies (Aruba, Curacao, St. Martin) where Dad was stationed for 15 years working for the police. There, they had four of their six children. Upon Dad’s retirement, they immigrated to Canada, initially to a farm in Brighton, Ontario and finally to Ottawa, where Dad worked for the Netherlands Embassy. In Ottawa, the two little girls were born. The family lived in City View and Mom remained in the family home for more than 60 years. In her 100th year, she moved to Stillwater Creek Retirement Residence. Mom loved her family and did everything she could to support them no matter what. She was so proud of them all. Mom was always ready and game to take on any challenge and lend a hand. Her immense strength and determination was what allowed her to live such a long and full life. She was a source of inspiration and always had time to sit and give guidance or just to listen. Mom volunteered in the early days at the Queensway Carleton Hospital on the geriatric floor, which she loved and was a Lifetime Member of the Nepean Horticultural Society as well as the Sunshine Club with the Salvation Army. Mom will be greatly missed by all who knew her and for the incredible stories of her 106 years that will live on in our memories and hearts. She will always be with us in spirit. The family would like to thank the staff of Stillwater Creek Retirement Residence for their dedication and compassionate care of our mother over the past 6 years. Memorial donations to the Salvation Army Barrhaven Church, or the Queensway Carleton Hospital would be welcomed. A private family gathering will be held at a later date.