Obituary of Janet Lillian Heerema
Gone too soon, Janet passed on to heavenly glory on Saturday, October 29, 2016. Born second child of Robert and Lillian Shaver in St. Catharines on February 18, 1950, Janet is survived by husband Dr. Jelte (Jerry) Heerema, children (and grandchildren) Erin and Steven Newburn (Kristen, Jeffrey, Alyssa), Sarah and David Johnstone, Adam and Andrea Fischer (Zavier, Weyland), and step-children (and step-grandchildren) Angela Heerema and Omar Djibo (Pamella), Dr. Timothy and Jennifer Heerema (Ben, Kate), and Darryl and Jenny Heerema. She is also survived by sister Kathleen (Robert) Leadley and brother Keith (Anne) Shaver, as well as several nieces and nephews. Janet was a loving, devoted wife and mother who cherished her family times. Her career was mainly as a church organist and music director, most recently at Oakridge Presbyterian Church in London and Trivett Memorial Anglican Church in Exeter. She led church choirs and community choirs, and her energetic, enthusiastic style led her to organize two choir tours to England and Scotland in 2003 and 2006, singing in the great cathedrals, including a week as choir-in-residence at York Minster. Most recently Janet held the Celebration of Life Concert at Centennial Hall on November 15, 2015 to raise funds for Ovarian Cancer research locally. Visitation will be held at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London on Tuesday, November 1 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m., and on Wednesday, November 2 from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. The service will be conducted at OAKRIDGE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 970 Oxford Street West, London, on Thursday, November 3, 2016 at 1:00 p.m., followed by interment in Oakland Cemetery and a reception at the church. Donations now can be made to the London Health Sciences Foundation (LHSF) Women’s Health Care Campaign, or Ovarian Cancer, or a charity of your choice.
