Obituary of Gerry Vanderlee

Gerry (Gerrit) Vanderlee, age 88 of St. Catharines, Ontario passed away Monday, May 17, 2021 at Niagara Health (St. Catharines) Hospital.

He was born in Leiden, the Netherlands on May 14th, 1933, to Teun Jan Vanderlee and Willemijntje deLeeuw, the oldest of 6 children. Gerry emigrated to the Niagara Area in 1952 with his family.

He met and married the love of his life, Sophia (Fia) Hogewoning in July of 1956.

Gerry worked for General Motors of Canada in St. Catharines for more than 30 years and took early retirement in 1987.

Gerry was a talented soccer player in his youth and remained an avid soccer fan for life. He loved to garden, spend time outdoors, travel to warmer climates, family gatherings, golfing, and playing with his grandchildren.

Gerry was a devoted and loving husband, father and Opa. He is survived by his wife Fia, his children John (Karen), Rick (Darlene), Judi (Al) and Michelle (Mike), his 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Also his brother Peter (Ann) and sister Greta Vandermeulen (John) and many in-laws, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, his brothers Martin, John, and Ralph Vanderlee.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Special thank you to the caring nurses and health care workers at Niagara Health oncology unit. For those who wish, donations can be made in Gerry's honour Niagara Health Foundation at www.niagarahealth.on.ca/site/foundation.