Ivy Willems
July 31, 1953 – July 30, 2021
Ivy Grace Willems, beloved wife of Reg Willems, passed away from cancer at the Edmonton General Continuing Care Center.
Ivy was born to Albert and Ella Block in Borden, SK. She grew up on a farm and as the oldest of 8 siblings, she was not afraid to get her hands dirty and work hard. Growing up in a loving Christian home, she gave her life to the Lord at a young age with a heart to live for Him. Later the family moved to a farm in Foam Lake, SK, where she graduated from high school. She then attended Bethany Bible Institute where she met Reg. With a heart for missions, Ivy traveled to Costa Rica for a year to learn Spanish. Reg and Ivy were married July 25, 1975. They then joined MB Missions and served in Colombia where their first child was born. Next, they moved to Texas where Ivy cared for their growing family, giving birth to their next three children while she was a support to Reg as he studied at Rio Grande Bible Institute, rebuilt a children’s home, and pastored a small Mexican church. They moved to Guatemala (1986) to serve with Wycliffe Bible Translators where their youngest was born. The family moved back to Canada (1994) and settled in Waldheim, SK.
Ivy truly had the gift of hospitality, and her table always had an abundance of food for all who were welcomed into their home. Her love for people and desire for all to know the love of the Lord shone through wherever they lived, including La Ronge, Laurie River Lodge, Saskatoon, Flin Flon, Thompson, and finally Gibbons.
Ivy loved her family dearly and treasured every moment she could spend with her kids and grandkids. She was so energetic and could often be found running and playing with the grandkids, including many other children whom she cared for as if they were part of the family. She also loved music and was often at her piano, playing and singing praises to the Lord.
Ivy is predeceased by her Mother Ella and is survived by her husband Reg and children Melody (Michael), Denny (Melissa), Monica (Matt), Anthony (Christa), and Nathan (Emily) as well as 35 grandchildren who brought her great delight and will miss her dearly. Also, her father Albert and siblings Richard, Val, Lyle, Dean, Chester, Dwayne, Dallas, and their families.
The Funeral Service will be held at Waldheim MB Church, 5003 2nd Ave E, Waldheim, SK on Saturday, August 7, 2021, 1:30 p.m. Interment will take place at Brotherfield Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Dalmeny Funeral Home 306-254-2022
7 Comments
Ivy was always so positive and helpful, even when circumstances were difficult. She supported Reg in all of his endeavours but she was especially enthusiastic about their time in Guatemala, serving with Wycliffe. We hugely enjoyed out time visiting the family in March, 1994, a few months before they concluded their time of ministry there.
Reg and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are thankful that she is no longer suffering but is rejoicing in Heaven!
Larry & Marie Speiser
Ivy was such a vibrant, energetic and joyful person to be around and one of my favourite “cousin-in-laws”. Always appreciated spending time with her and admired her heart for service to God and her family. She will be missed.
Hello Reg and family,
I was part of your small group with Jeff and Arda.
You have my condolences on the passing of Ivy into the hands of our Lord.
I pray that you are doing well and that you are surrounded by family.
Ivy was a loving and vibrant woman, blessings and peace be upon you for sharing your life with her.
God bless
Ivy always wore a smile on her face- she shone JESUS, and brought Life, wherever she went!! She was very much like her own momma, where she is now- rejoicing together, in the Glory of the Father,❤️
Dear Reg,and family, it is a treasure that we meet ivy ,and you.there is a place at our table for you.we are with you in prayers,until we meet again,God bless.
I am one of those that was blessed as child in the home of Ivy. She was always loving and so supportive of our games I played with Melody.. I was always made to feel a part of the family and my heart and my prayers are with the whole Willems clan, especially Mr. Willems. May you feel the Lord especially near at this time!
We just want to thank Reg and family for all the special times we had with you and your mother through the years. Your place was the #1 choice for our children. We appreciate your heartfelt sharing at the funeral. “Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted.” We pray that the Lord will bring you comfort – as He is The Comforter.
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