Mrs. Johanna Hermina Gillespie

Johanna died peacefully on December 8th, 2016 at the Chartwell Wynfield Long Term Care Residence in Oshawa, at the age of 74. Survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Frederick Gillespie, she will also be greatly missed by her sons Gregory (Marci) and Peter (Marcy), and grandsons Finnian and Aidan. Johanna was predeceased by her father, Johannes Evertman, and mother, Maria Evertman (nee Noordkamp), as well as her brothers Gerry and John. She is survived by her siblings Inie, Mary, and Herman. She will also be fondly remembered by many of her brothers- and sisters in-law, nieces, and nephews in the extended Gillespie and Evertman families in Canada, the United States, and Holland. Johanna was born in Losser, the Netherlands, and immigrated to Canada with her family at the age of 11. She grew up in Toronto, and after marrying Fred they settled in Oshawa to raise their family. Johanna worked as a medical secretary and later as a health records technician at the Oshawa General Hospital. She loved nature and camped nearly every summer of her life. She also enjoyed travelling and cooking. However, her greatest joy was being a mother, and she often remarked that her favourite time was her years at home when her boys were young. In her retirement she became a prolific amateur watercolour artist and her paintings brighten the homes of many family and friends. The family wishes to express its thanks to Dr. Reed and the staff in the McLaughlin Bay at Wynfield for the compassionate care they provided. A funeral Mass was celebrated by Father Eric Mah at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Oshawa on December 12th, 2016. A private committal will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army Oshawa Food Bank or Feed the Need in Durham either directly or through the Oshawa Funeral Home, 847 King Street West (905-721-1234) . In sharing stories about Johanna these last few days, we're reminded of how she touched those around her with her warmth, and generous spirit. She was always conscious of those in need, and often made a special effort to reach out to others going through a difficult time. We also remember her spontaneity, her love of mischief and her great sense of fun. Whether for a fast waltz in a living room, or in the late hours of a family wedding, she led us out of our chairs, and we danced.