Obituary of Anne Van Esbroeck

Van Esbroeck, Johanna "Anne"

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother Johanna (Anne) Van Esbroeck (née Jans) on Saturday, April 23, 2022, in her 90th year. Predeceased by her beloved parents, Henry and Adriana Jans; her loving husbands, Gerard Van De Wal and Edmund Van Esbroeck; brothers Martin (Ann), Joe (Mary), Harry (Toni) and sister Eileen (Tony) VanEsh.

Survived by her sisters, Mary (Larry) and Ricki (Robert), and brother Tony (Annie). Loving, devoted mother of Francis Richard “Rick” Van De Wal (Giuliana) and Kenneth “Ken” Van De Wal (Carolin). Loving Oma of Lianne Edgar (Brad), Samantha Kauppi (Adam), Ravaye Kent (Ben), and Brianne Floriancic (Shawn). Loving Great Oma of Ava and Ari Edgar.

At the age of 19, Ann immigrated to Canada from Holland in 1952. Her family settled in St. Thomas, Ontario where they continued farming and raising livestock. Ann played an intricate role in helping out on the farm and in helping to raise her many siblings. She married Gerry in 1956, raising two beautiful sons, Rick and Ken. Together with her young sons, they weathered a heavy loss by the sudden death of her husband, their precious father. In 1972, she met her loving and devoted husband Ed. Together they shared in their devotion to the Catholic faith, enjoyed their grandchildren, traveled, and took pride in keeping a charming home. Ann was a spirited woman who lived life to the fullest, maintaining a positive attitude and always eager to “go” and “do” something. She loved her family, friends, socializing, gardening, crafting, and all “pretty” things. Even though her life had many hardships, she always made it a point to have friends and to be nice to people.

Interment will take place on Friday, April 29th, 2022 at Maple Leaf cemetery. Family and friends will be welcomed for the funeral service to be held on June 1st, 2022 at 11 a.m. at the McKinlay Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be gratefully appreciated.

Ann’s family extends heartfelt thanks to the wonderful doctors and nurses of the Critical Care Unit of the Chatham Kent Health Alliance Hospital and the staff of the Chatham Retirement Resort who made her golden years welcoming, comfortable, and safe.

Thank you, Mom/Oma, for your love and devotion to us all. Although we will miss you dearly, we take comfort in knowing that you have prepared for Eternal Life. We rejoice that you have arrived on “Eagle’s Wings” and are being held brightly in the “Palm of His Hand.”