Gertie Zastre

Gertie Zastre

Surrounded by her family, after a long and fruitful life at age 93, the family announces the passing of our matriarch Gertie Zastre on Wednesday, October 31st, 2018.

Gertie was born in Utrecht, Holland, daughter of Johanna and Albertus Stilting and sister to Cornelius.

Gertie met, fell in love and married William Zastre during the liberation of Holland in 1944, later coming to Canada by way of ship with their first-born son.

After William passed in 1978, her main focus was the care of their special needs son Larry. As a fierce and proud Dutch war bride Gertie was a member of the local Royal Canadian Legion and volunteered her time to many other community groups.

Gertie and William settled in the Ste.Rose area, adding another 7 children to complete their family. Though they faced many challenges they worked hard at any job necessary to provide for the family. Gertie was always a hard and dedicated worker whether she was tending to gardens, baking bread, canning or caring for her children. She was the glue that held the family together. She held many jobs including the Ste.Rose Hospital and the Ste.Rose Hotel.

Gertie loved crafts; she was a master quilter and was often found at the local craft sales. She was never happier then at Christmas time when she would gift the family her quilts, mitts, hats, socks, vests, afghans and much more. We will always treasure these tokens of her love.

Gertie was predeceased by her husband William, parents and brother. She leaves to mourn her passing her 8 children: Fred, Anne (Leo Bunyak), Marlene (Fred Debeuckelaere), Carol (Wayne Lambert), Maurice (Colette), George (Della), Larry, and Raymond (Joan). 18 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren, 12 great great grandchildren with more on the way, as well as a sister in law, niece and nephew in Holland, plus many more here in Canada.

The funeral mass was celebrated at the Ste.Rose de Lima Catholic Church on Saturday November.10th at 2:30pm. Interment in the Ste. Rose Cemetery with a reception at the Ste. Rose Community Centre.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Poppy fund or to a charity of one’s choice.

Thank you to the Dr.Gendreau Personal Care home, the Ste.Rose General Hospital and all the doctors, nurses and staff.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gertie Zastre, please visit our floral store.