Obituary of Beryl Van Goethem

Peacefully, at Bluewater Health on Saturday, August 8, 2020, at the age of 85.  Beloved wife of the late Julien VanGoethem. (2017) Loving mother of Kay Bertalan (Steve) Kelowna, B.C., Sally Vonk (Tony) Sarnia, Paul Goldsmith (Leanne) Sarnia, Sarah Good (Todd) London, Cindy Hatfield(George) Sarnia and Randy VanGoethem (Sarnia).  Cherished grandmother of Meighen & Bryan Vonk, Alicia Meloche, Trevor Goldsmith, Sean Goldsmith, Patrick and Ryan Tisdale, Brittany and Dalton Good and Amy Kennedy.   Proud great grandmother to Breyelle, Bella, Isabel, Levi and Hunter.  Beryl is survived by her sister, Doreen, in Birmingham, England.  Predeceased by her parents, Charles and Mary Heap.

Beryl was born in Birmingham, England during the Second World War.  She met and married her first husband, Roy Goldsmith, in Birmingham.  They had 3 children in England before emigrating to Canada in 1966.  Once in Canada, they added one more to the family, Sarah.  After separating from Roy, Beryl found a new life with Julien.  They were married for 38 years before his death in 2017.

Beryl was employed by Canada Post for over 20 years.  First in Sarnia, and later in British Columbia.  She had been an active member of the British Overseas Club where she was actively involved in their theater program.  She was very musical and enjoyed playing the piano.  She also enjoyed spending time gardening.  What gave her the most joy in life was her grandchildren.  Spending time with them always bought a smile to her face.

Cremation has taken place.  A private family interment will take place at Lakeview Cemetery on Saturday, August 15, 2020.  As an expression of sympathy, friends who wish may send memorial donations to the Alzheimers Society of Sarnia Lambton,  420 East Street North, Sarnia, ON N7T 6Y5.  Arrangements are entrusted to the McKenzie & Blundy Funeral Home & Cremation Centre Ltd., 431 N. Christina St., Sarnia (519-344-3131).   Messages of condolence and memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com.