Obituary of Barbara Jeanie Van Esch (nee Coatsworth)

Peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Tuesday, January 28, 2020, Barbara Jeanie Van Esch, in her 83rd year, passed away after a long and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Beloved wife of the late Anthony H. ‘Tony’ Van Esch (2002). Loving mother of Peggy Wilson (Jim, 2007) and Mike Van Esch (Teresa), of London. Dear grandmother of Stephanie Brockett (Ryan Grose), Michael Wilson (Tara), Nicole Crispin (Greg) and Brett Van Esch. Special great-grandmother of Olivia, Isabella, Nolan, Kinsley and Madison. Dear sister-in-law of Darlene Coatsworth, Sarah Lee Coatsworth, Barbara Coatsworth, Dennis Blommers (Sharon), Jack Kasbergen and Pam Blommers. Barbara will be sadly missed by many nieces, nephews and friends. Predeceased by her sister, Betty McKillop; brothers: Edgar Coatsworth, Robert Coatsworth, David Coatsworth, Ronald Coatsworth and Keith Coatsworth; sister-in-law, Mary Kasbergen; and brother-in-law, Peter Blommers. Barbara retired after over 30 years as a nurse at Victoria Hospital; in 2019, she celebrated 60 years since obtaining her degree. She will be lovingly remembered by St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital - Class of ’59. Special thanks to the caring teams at LHSC - Victoria Hospital, the London Regional Cancer Program, Saint Elizabeth Health Care, VON Middlesex-Elgin, ParaMed Home Health Care Services London and the South West Local Health Integration Network (LHIN). A Celebration of Life will be conducted at WESTVIEW FUNERAL CHAPEL, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Saturday, February 22, 2020 from 1:00 ~ 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in memory of Barbara are asked to consider the London Regional Cancer Program or a charity of your choice.