Nov 21, 2021

• COATES, Johanne Theresia Bakker

Dearest family and friends,

It is with a heavy heart that I forward this somber message. Tragically, my dear wife, Johanne Theresia Bakker Coates — a wonderful, kind and precious person, passed peacefully in her 68th year on Saturday 21 November 2020, at Ottawa Civic

Hospital after a severe sudden illness. I will forever cherish Johanne’s beloved memory in my heart as will our wonderful sons Kevin and Morgan, dear daughter-in-law Stacey, and adored grandchildren Aiden and Emmalee.

Johanne, a beloved daughter of Theresia and Tjeerd Bakker, who predeceased her, was born in the Netherlands and grew up in Midland, Ontario and lived the past 45 years in Ottawa where we  raised our family. .

Throughout her life Johanne was a devoted and loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and companion who will be remembered and very much missed by her dear family and many good friends.

Johanne treasured her sister Dianne Columbia (Frank), brothers John (Gail) and Brian (Dawn) and was a devoted aunt to Matt (Dara), Andrew (Lindsay), Jessica (Jeff), Elizabeth, and Daniel; and great-aunt to Carter, Cruz, Kobey, Leah, Brody and Luke. Johanne had fond memories of her dear Bakker cousins in the Netherlands; Greet (Herman), as well as Tjeerd, Ton, Josee, and Rosemarie.

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me

I know how much you love me,

As much as I love you.

And each time you think of me,

I know you’ll miss me too.

 So when tomorrow starts without me,

Don’t think we’re far apart,

For every time you think of me,

I’m right there, in your heart.  

We are very grateful to the emergency and ICU staff, teams of doctors and specialists at Ottawa Civic Hospital for their dedicated care and kind support during Johanne’s illness.

Johanne worked at a local food bank for many years and was also a dedicated volunteer and supporter of the Alzheimer’s Society. Our family would be pleased if in lieu of flowers you might choose to donate to a local food bank or to the Alzheimer’s Society in her memory.

A memorial celebration to honour Johanne’s life will be arranged at a future date.

Sadly,

Brent