Johanna "Yoka" (Binnekamp) Lobbezoo

Our loving mother, grandmother, and aunt, passed on peacefully on Wednesday December 18, 2024 in her Bloomington Cove home. She was 94 years old.

Born on June 12, 1930 in Utrecht, the Netherlands, she and her twin sister were born into a family with three older sisters, later to be joined by their brother.  In 1956 she married her husband Joost and together raised two sons. 

She loved gardening and reading.  Her love for books was evident by the many bookshelves in their house, and the many hours of volunteering at the local library.

Loving nature, most summers the family travelled to the Alps for leisurely and primitive camping in the valleys, in between unforgettable extended mountain hiking expeditions.

In the early eighties, the family moved to Canada to explore new horizons and new experiences. They found a home in Markham.

For many years Yoka enjoyed working with children at a childcare center.  Once retired, they enjoyed travelling together with their dogs all over the continent and visiting with relatives in the West.  But each year, for as long as they could, the twins would take turns travelling across the ocean to spend time together.

Separated, through death, from her husband and best friend in 2000, she moved to Uxbridge to be closer to family.  With her strong and independent spirit, most days she could be seen walking around town to visit with family and friends, or to volunteer.  On Sunday’s she would be at the Baptist Church worshipping her Lord and Saviour.  Her faith in Jesus was central in her life on earth.  A legacy, the importance of which, she impressed on her children and her four grandchildren.

Having moved in with her family, for a number of years she maintained some independence, living in her own suite constructed by her grandsons. Progressing dementia forced an end to the blessing of this closeness, and eventually started a slow parting of Yoka, from us.  

A parting that would now seem complete.  But we share the HOPE, and may know, that this is not the end of the story!

A Funeral Service will be celebrated from Low & Low Funeral Home, 23 Main Street South on Monday December 23, 2024 at 11:00 AM with visitation to commence at 10:00 AM.  Reception to follow.  Interment; Elwood Cemetery, Markham.  As expressions of sympathy, donations to Ghana Rural Integrated Development (GRID) would be appreciated by the family.  Friends are invited to express condolences or make donations by visiting www.lowandlow.ca