It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Gertie was predeceased by her sisters, Corry and Mia; and her parents, Peter and Josephina Pelzer. She is survived by her loving husband of 71 years, Harry; daughters, José (Robert) and Ria; grandchildren, Georgina, Martin (Lilia), Casey (Sheldon), Margot (Justin) and Ashton; great-grandchildren, Brysa, Tanesha, Braxton, Camden, Alexander, McKenzie, Colton and Aiden;  and many friends who loved her dearly.

Gertie was born in Nieuwenhagen (Landgraaf) The Netherlands and immigrated to Canada in 1954 with her husband and two girls. They landed in Halifax and crossed the great expanse of Canada by train to land in Vancouver where her husband heard about the booming town of Port Alberni. It was a struggle at first but soon they settled into valley life where her daughters attended school and introduced her to English even though it was her intention to keep them speaking Dutch. Before long, with her encouragement, they had built a business, a couple of houses, and thrived.

It became their pleasure after retirement to spend winters in the warm climate of the Palm Springs area of California and summers in the Netherlands as often as possible.  When not in Europe, she took pleasure in growing a garden.  In her last years, especially after moving to the condo on Victoria Quay, she very much enjoyed watching  the clouds, the bears, and all of the activity on the river from their balcony.

Gertie fought a long battle with Alzheimer's to which she finally succumbed. Special thanks to the staff of Westhaven for the excellent care they provided Gertie during her time with them. She will be sadly missed!

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Gertie's memory may do so by making a donation in her name to the Alzheimer's Society or Westhaven Assisted Living in Port Alberni.