“Sister” Waltera Van Gennip

March 7, 1942 – April 13, 2016

 

Christina Waltera Van Gennip passed peacefully after a valiant struggle with cancer, in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan on April 13, 2016 at the age of 74 years. She has left our midst only in body. Her spirit is soaring, free, and stronger than ever.  Predeceased by her parents: Bart Van Gennip and Rie de Vos and her best friend and partner in ministry: Mary Patricia Grisé (‘Sister’ Pat). Survived by her three much loved sisters: Mary Ann McKenzie (Charlie), Ferdinanda Van Gennip (Bruce Burton) and Berti Baker (Larry), her dear friend and co-missionary: Roy Wilmhoff (‘Brother’ Roy); loving nieces and nephews: Whitney Baker, Simon Baker (Jennifer), Marta McKenzie and Christina Tiede (Chris); great nephew: Willem and great nieces: Mackenzie, Norah and Maya as well as many dear cousins and aunts in the Netherlands;  and spirit sisters: Wilma Felix-Schreder, Patsy Felix and Florena Brown.  In 1952, at the age of ten, Waltera immigrated to Canada from the Netherlands with her parents and three younger sisters. In 1961, she entered the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM) and taught at Loretto Niagara and Loretto Abbey in Toronto. In 1975, she and Sister Pat Grisé went to live and work among the Anishnabe  of Pic Mobert First Nation and stayed with them for seven years. The aboriginal people found their way deep into Waltera’s heart. In 1983, having discerned a call to live among the Cree people of Prince Albert and Sturgeon Lake, Pat and Waltera came to Saskatchewan.   They ministered wherever and whenever they saw the need. They began Kateri House, where the phone rang constantly and the opening words would be “I heard you might be able to help me.” In 1986, they left the IBVM and founded the lay mission association Kateri’s Companions in Ministry. With persevering faith and love, they brought hope and healing wherever they could. Waltera saw it as a sacred privilege to share in people’s journeys at the deepest level. From her own immediate family to her extended family to her adopted family to her families in community — she did this with every person she ever encountered. It gave her such tremendous joy.     “All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness” (Ps 25:10) A Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 14, 2016 at 5:00 pm with a Memorial Celebration following at 6:30 pm at MacKenzie Chapel, 130 9th St E, Prince Albert, SK.  Wake service and Potluck will commence on Friday, April 15, 2016 at 2:00 pm at St. Michaels Parish Church,  1505 13 St W, Prince Albert, SK.  Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 11:00 am at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 1401 4th Ave W, Prince Albert, SK with Bishop Albert Thévenot  as Celebrant.  Donations in honor of Waltera’s life may be made to Kateri’s Companions in Ministry.   Arrangements in care of MacKenzie Chapel & Crematorium.  Brian and Bev Stobbs, Funeral Directors.  306.763.8488 www. MacKenzieChapel.ca

 

“Spirit of God, Spirit of Love

and power, pour forth

in my heart an abundance

of grace that I may live

and go forth as a true

missionary-disciple. Amen.”

—Waltera

• Date : 2016-04-13