Antonia (Tonny) Gijssen
April 16, 1928 – Oct 7, 2017
The family of Tonny Gijssen are saddened to announce her passing October 7, 2017 at Royal Jubilee Hospital, Victoria, BC. Tonny died peacefully surrounded by family. She was 89 years old and had recently celebrated her 60th wedding anniversary to Edward (Ed) Gijssen.
Born April 16, 1928 in de Bilt, Netherlands, the 2nd of five children to Arnoldus and Francina Stekelenburg, Tonny and Ed immigrated to Canada in 1957. Tonny was integral to all of the Starline businesses co-owned with Ed – leaders in their fields. She was a bright, determined, caring, active spirit who was adored by many. She loved her husband, children, family and friends very much. Gifted in her relationships with both people and animals, Tonny was often surrounded by her cats, dogs, horses, various farm animals and her ever present flower and veggie gardens.
Tonny is survived by her husband Ed, children Jacqueline (John Nightingale), Kenneth (Gabrielle Steinburg), Marcel (Maria Josenhans), and family members in Holland, Australia, Switzerland, Belgium and England.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Drivers Program – Salt Spring Seniors Centre, 379 Lower Ganges Road, Salt Spring Island, BC, V8K 2V4.