SARA JOSINA (JOYCE) VAN DAM (nee MULDER)

July 22, 2021

Sara Josina (Joyce) Van Dam (nee Mulder), second eldest daughter of Johannes Martinus and Ana Cornelia Mulder (nee Spaander) of Tiverton, died peacefully in her home, July 22, 2021, in her 103rd year. Beloved wife of the late Willem Van Dam, who predeceased her, May 28, 2011. Dear mother of Martin Van Dam (Pat Zehr) of Waterloo, William Van Dam of Inverhuron, and Harry Van Dam (Jane) of Kincardine. Cherished grandmother of James (Lisa) Van Dam of Victoria, British Columbia; David (Jodi) Van Dam of Guelph; Steven (Christine) Van Dam of Guelph; Anna Stafford of Nova Scotia; Kimberly (Dan) Plante of Saskatchewan; Jill (Ryan) Fraser of Kincardine; and Heather Van Dam of Kincardine. Great-Grandmother of Jacob and Sarah; Noah and Luke; Jack, Charlie and Max; Sara, Pauline, Bryan, Keianna and Josina; Genevieve and Adriel; Briley and Myles; and Mya. Predeceased by her three brothers, David, Adriaan, and Dick Mulder; and her three sisters, Nel (Schuyt), Cornelia (Bonker) and Janneke (Van Midden). Joyce was born in Zaandam, Netherlands, March 8, 1919. She married Willem Van Dam in 1944 and emigrated to Canada in 1954 with their three children. Coming to Canada was difficult at that time as she thought she would never see her immediate family again. After residing in Etobicoke for several weeks, the family moved to Walkerton in time to experience Hurricane Hazel. Joyce taught herself English from her children’s reading and spelling books, and worked as a secretary for several automotive dealerships and later, as secretary to the head health nurse of the Walkerton Health Unit. In 1970, she and Willem moved to Inverhuron, while commuting to work in Walkerton. Winters were more severe, and the road to their home in Inverhuron was not plowed. When driving through the deepening snow became impossible, they walked the two kilometres to their home, bringing their food and water on a sled. Joyce enjoyed sewing, embroidery and petite-point, making many fine pieces of artwork during her lifetime. She was fanatical about her physical well-being, and participated in exercise, swimming classes and walking groups. When the park in Florida was without an activity director, she filled in and led the swimming classes and exercise groups until she stopped going to Florida at the age of 90! When back at Inverhuron, she started the walking groups which turned into social events, at the beach store, with coffee before returning back home. Joyce moved into Tiverton Park Manor in 2009 and made many good friends. She died peacefully with her family and friends at her bedside. She will be sadly missed. A private family interment will be held at The Tiverton Cemetery. Memorial donations to Huron Shores Hospice or Tiverton Knox Presbyterian Church, would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy; arrangements entrusted to the MacKenzie and McCreath Funeral Home, Ripley, 519-395-2969. Condolences on-line at www.mackenzieandmccreath.com.