The family of Gertrude ‘Gert’ Ellen Van Meer (nee Stangebye) wish to share the sad news of her peaceful passing on Dec. 9 at Piccadilly Care surrounded by her family. She is survived and dearly loved by her sister Kathleen and family, her two daughters Tina & Terry, son-in-law Don, and granddaughters Trina & Aimee.
Gert was predeceased by her husband Almer ‘Van’. She was born July 12, 1922 in Vanderhoof to Clara and Haakon ‘Henry’ Stangebye and spent many happy years living in Prince Rupert, where she met Van and started her family. Retirement brought them to Salmon Arm in 1971, where a love of old time dancing quickly integrated them into the community.
She was active in many clubs such as bowling, golf, curling, lawn bowling, bridge and crib. She was also an avid traveller, gardener and animal lover. She loved road trips and tours around North America, many with her sister. Her furthest trip afar was to Botswana to visit her daughter Terry. She had a constantly flowering garden in front of her home on Shuswap St. which garnered many compliments from passersby. A favourite pastime was to sit at the table with her cat Sheba and watch the birds that congregated in the bird bath outside her kitchen window.
The family would like to thank staff at Piccadilly Care for the love, compassion and care that she received.
An informal gathering of family and friends will be held at Bower’s Funeral Home tea room Saturday, December 17, 2016 from 1pm - 3pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be made to the BC SPCA.
Online condolences may be sent through Gert’s obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com. Arrangements are in the care of Bowers Funeral Home and Crematorium, Salmon Arm.