April 15, 1949 - Sept. 1, 2024
It is with profound sadness and much love that we announce the passing of Elisabeth "Liz" Tiemersma, who peacefully ended her 30-year battle with cancer on Sept. 1 at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie, Ont., with her family by her side. Throughout her long illness, Liz remained an inspiring example of positivity and resilience, always ready to face whatever came next.
Liz was predeceased by her devoted husband, Otto Tiemersma (d. 2013); her beloved younger brother, Tim Wynia (d. 2019); her parents, Fetze (d. 1993) and Bettina Wynia (d. 2022); and her son-in-law, Roger de Brum (d. 2019). She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Tamara Tiemersma (Roger de Brum - d. 2019); her son, Martin Tiemersma (Kim); her cherished grandchildren, Elsha Tiemersma, Abby Tiemersma, Nicolas Tiemersma, and Abbygayle de Brum; her sister, Joanne Owen (Joe); her brothers, Hans Wynia and Frank Wynia (Lynn); her sister-in-law, Shelley Wynia; and a host of extended family members (Tiemersma, Lycklama, Wynia, and Vermaas families) and dear friends.
Born in the Netherlands, Liz immigrated to Canada with her family at the age of five. She grew up in St. Catharines before relocating to Barrie during her high school years, where her family opened Wynia's Bakery and Tearoom. Liz attended Barrie Central Collegiate, Barrie North Collegiate, Ryerson, Shaw School of Business, and Georgian College. She went on to work at Sir Isaac Pitman and Sons in Toronto and the First Baptist Church in Barrie, before becoming co-owner of Tiemers Windows and Doors alongside her husband Otto.
Liz and Otto shared a deep love for travel, whether by cruise ship, airplane, or road trips, and they enjoyed spending time at their winter home in Madeira Beach, Florida. Many great family memories were made on the beaches of Florida.
Beyond her roles as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, Liz was truly a renaissance woman and leader. Creative in countless ways, she expressed herself through painting, needle-work, decorating, home design, and sewing. She became an expert family genealogy researcher. Liz was intelligent, tech-savvy, and always giving of her time to others. She volunteered tirelessly throughout her life and served on numerous boards and committees, including the original Tollendale Village Board of Directors, Timothy Christian School Board of Directors, First Christian Reformed Church Committees, and various municipal and neighborhood advocacy groups. If you had a problem, Liz would find a way to solve it. She also took immense joy in doting on her grandchildren, making sure they always felt special and loved.
Please join us as we honor and celebrate Liz's life. A Visitation and Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Liberty North (100 Caplan Avenue, Unit 1, Barrie, Ontario, L4N 9J2) from 1:00-4:00 p.m. (Visitation: 1:00-1:45 p.m.; Music and Eulogies: 1:45-2:15 p.m.; followed by a time to chat, eat, drink—cash bar—and share memories of Liz).
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Liz's name to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Her light, kindness, and legacy will live on in the hearts of all who know and love her.
Messages of condolence may be forwarded to the family through adamsfuneralhome.ca.