BUWALDA, Johanna Frederika - Beloved wife, mother, mother-in-love, Oma, sister, auntie, and friend to many, Johanna “Joey” Buwalda passed away on February 19, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer.
She will be missed by her loving husband Andy, children Timothy (Cindy), David (Rachel), Joshua-Dan, grandchildren Carter and Ava and so many more who knew and loved her.
Johanna Frederika Lievaart was born in Lobith-Tolkamer in the Netherlands on June 30, 1950.
She emigrated to Canada in 1957 along with her 8-year-old sister Elsje and parents Bert and Betsy Lievaart.
In Weston, baby brother Ingelbert joined the family.
In 1975, Joey married Andy Buwalda and together they raised sons Timothy, David, and Joshua-Dan.
In 2010, she was thrilled to share her 60th birthday with her new grandson, Carter. Two years later she was blessed with granddaughter Ava. Ava and Carter were well-loved and well-spoiled by their Oma.
She was the first woman to graduate from George Brown College in Graphic Design and worked as a sign painter and calligrapher. After her sons were born, she started a home day care where many lifelong friendships began.
Joey was always heavily involved at Hebron Christian Reformed Church. She led prayer groups, taught VBS, organized the coffee break ministry, and was passionate about many social justice issues.
She particularly had a heart for welcoming refugees. She also enjoyed a lifelong love of books—she reveled in recommending and lending books and was proud of her free sidewalk library.
In her final months, Joey impressed us all with her strength and perspective as she soldiered through the pain and fatigue that came with a resurgence of cancer.
She never lost her strong faith in God, and even while she was suffering, found countless moments of peace, blessing, and happiness to put a smile on her face.
After months in the hospital, she was finally able to come home, where she was lovingly attended to 24-7 by her dedicated and uncomplaining caregiver, Andy.
Enjoy your books and word games in heaven, mom.
Visitation will be held at Mount Lawn Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 23rd from 5pm-8pm.
Funeral Service will be on Thursday, February 24th at Hebron Christian Reformed Church, 4240 Anderson St. Whitby at 12pm. If you wish to attend the service please register by calling the church office at 905-655-5020.
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