Obituary of Wilhelmina Goertz

GOERTZ, Wilhelmina “Wilma” Goertz (nee van Bommel) – Died peacefully at The Village of Glendale Crossing in London on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the age of 78. Wilma’s two greatest loves in life were her family and her faith. A lifelong, devout member of the Catholic church, Wilma found comfort in the knowledge that she would be reunited with her beloved husband of 40 years, Jozef Goertz, who passed in 2009.

Wilma had an infectious laugh, and it was often inspired by her 5 children and 14 grandchildren. She was thrilled to become a great-grandmother in 2024.

She will be missed dearly by her children and grandchildren: Shirley Olney, husband Pat, children Katie (husband Tyler and daughter Claire), Robyn and Melissa; Steven Goertz, wife Susan, children Ryan, Samantha and Teagan; Kevin Goertz, wife Nicola, children Lucas and Sagan; Randy Goertz, wife Tina, children Kaisley and Keaton; Terry Goertz, wife Deanne, children Nolan, Austin, Dylan and Paxton.

Wilma was born and raised in Milheeze, Holland and immigrated to Canada in 1960s as part of a large and loving family. Her dear brother, Martin van Bommel, wife Antonia, mourns this great loss with us, while her other siblings: Wim van Bommel (2018), wife Truus (1999), John van Bommel (2011), wife Annie, Louie van Bommel (1993), wife Anna, Toon van Bommel (2023), wife Toos (2020), Paula Koolen (2025), husband Ted (2020), Karel van Bommel (2017), wife Jaantje, Frank van Bommel (2001), Maria Boogaart (2017), husband John, Joe van Bommel (2024), wife Joey (2022), Anthony van Bommel (1929), and Pieter van Bommel (1942), now welcome her with open arms as they are reunited.

She will also be missed by many nieces and nephews.

Wilma and Joe raised 5 beautiful children in Sarnia, Ontario. Every summer without fail, the family would visit Springhaven Lodge, to fish, swim, and spend time together. Wilma and Joe’s children have continued this tradition albeit at a different location. Wilma will be remembered for her dedication to Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, where her amazing voice could be heard every Sunday.  She loved playing cards with family and friends alike, and exploring new places with Joe.  She loved playing with her grandchildren and would often be seen giving piggyback rides, building legos, or coloring with them. She (and they) were in her words, “washable”.

The family would like to thank the dedicated staff in Emma’s Neighbourhood at The Village of Glendale Crossing. They embraced Wilma as the first ever Emma’s resident and encouraged her love of music and dancing.  We called her the “O.G.” of Emma’s.

Thank you also to Geetika, the ferocious palliative nurse from St. Elizabeth Health Care, who guided and advocated for Wilma in her last days; Cindy, Ella, Ola, Olivia, Mercedes and the other medical technicians from the VON e-shift team who compassionately made sure Wilma was comfortable until her last breath; and we will be forever grateful to mom’s sister-in-law, Liz Boere. Aunt Liz met our mom over 60 years ago, and they were friends as well as family. Aunt Liz’s support and friendship (to mom and us), especially through these difficult times, are greatly appreciated. 

Visitation will be held at the McKenzie & Blundy Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, 431 Christina St. N., Sarnia on Friday, May 2, 2025, from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Mercy Church on Saturday, May 3^rd at 12:30 p.m.  Interment to follow at Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery. Messages of condolence and memories may be left at ww.mckenzieblundy.com

In lieu of flowers, donations for dementia research gratefully accepted to The Alzheimer’s Society. (https://alzheimer.ca/sarnialambton/en)

Alzheimer Society Sarnia-Lambton

420 East Street North,

Sarnia, Ontario N7T 6Y5