Yola was born in Lovendegem, in West Flanders, Belgium in 1942. Living on a farm helped shield her from some of the worst conditions of war-torn Europe. She lived with her brother Guislain and her parents Remi and Martha. She attended high school in Ghent, and she met Sylveer. She and Sylveer were just figuring out their futures together, when they heard Sylveer was to be sent to the (Belgian) Congo. They hastily married, and got on the next ship-- to Canada-- in 1961.

They settled first in the Tillsonburg area, where they picked tobacco like many other Belgian immigrants. She learned English, and when they moved to Toronto she started working as a secretary, and then they started their family. Brigitte was born just after they received their Canadian Citizenship in 1966; then Mark in 1968. She returned to the workforce, at Dentsply, when the kids were in school, then the family moved to Brampton in 1975, She retired from Dentsply after over 30 years as Executive Assistant in the Canadian office..

In September 1985, tragedy struck the family as Brigitte was killed during an event at Laurier University. Despite this heartbreak, Yola maintained her warmth and zest for life. In her words, "you have to live your life".

Yola loved to travel and meet new people, travelling extensively through Europe and the USA, to Cuba, and even an Alaska cruise.

When her grandsons Zachary and Sean were born, she picked them up from school, she camped at Provincial Parks, became a Toronto Zoo member, attended soccer practices and games. A highlight was going on a Caribbean Cruise with Zach and Sean as teenagers.

She loved working in the garden, and doing Aquafit at the Brampton Community Centres. When she moved into Holland Christian Homes, she knew she needed something to do. The Pandemic had just started, so meeting her neighbours was going to be tough. She signed up for gardening, and that's how she met everyone. Her garden was right in the middle of the courtyard, and everyone come by to say hello.

Yola leaves behind her brother Guislain and his wife Georgette, her son Mark and daughter in law Martha, grandsons Zachary and Sean, and hundreds of people who were touched by her kindness, her generosity and her love of life.

In loving memory of Yola, please consider making a Donation to the following Organizations (you may click on the Donation Tab at the bottom of this Memorial Page):

- Cancer Research Society
- The Friends of Algonquin Park
- Canadian Wildlife Federation
- Trillium Health Partners