Winnifred Harmina Vandezande (nee DeJong) was born Saturday May 12, 1934, and passed away peacefully on September 6, 2025. She was 91 years old.
Wynne was the 5th child of 13 to Benne and Ida DeJong. She married her husband, Gerald†, on August 2, 1957. They moved to Rexdale where they welcomed their two daughters Janice and Karen, and were foster parents to eight children.
Wynne’s achievements have been many. She succeeded at various careers, such as a Secretary, Administrator, and Stenographer. Later in life she returned to school to pursue a degree in Social Work and Certificate in Gerontology at Toronto Metropolitan University, after which she started her career as a Social Worker.
After retirement, she continued meaningful involvement with family, and was a dedicated member of the Serenata Singers, Christian Feminist Group, Don Heights Folk Dancers, and the Christian Reformed Church. She joined the Scarborough Writers Group, which prompted her to write many wonderful stories that she shared with family and friends.
She will always be remembered as a loving mother to Janice (Paul), and Karen (Steve), grandmother to Jonathan (Christian), Kristen, Jason (Tiffany), Jessica (Griffin), and Alicia, and great grandmother to Nathan and Jordan. Her family, spirituality, and community were some of her dearest values. “But the most important thing I want to convey to you is that I love each one of you, my dear unique family for the people you are. I can’t say enough about the joy, meaningfulness, and hope you bring into my life.”
A special thank you for all the love and support shown by Wynne's caregivers and palliative nurses.
Visitation will be Sunday September 14, 2:00-5:00 pm at Pine Hills Cemetery and Funeral Centre, 625 Birchmount Rd, Toronto, ON M1K 1R1
A Celebration of the Life of Wynne Vandezande will be held at Pine Hills Cemetery and Funeral Centre September 15th at 1:00 pm, with service to follow at 2:00 pm. Guests are invited for a reception following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to World Vision in remembrance of Wynne (and the many children she cared for).