Beverely Ann Van Doleweerd

With great sadness, the family of Bev Van Doleweerd announce her sudden passing. Born in 1945 and raised in Whitby, Ontario, Bev was the daughter of Vernon and Dorothy Moore, and the beloved sister of Shelley and Marlene. It was in Whitby that she met Tony Van Doleweerd. They married young – she was only 18, he just 20 – and together began a life shaped by hope, optimism, and a belief in the need to focus on family.
They were married at a time that now feels almost impossibly hopeful. It was a simpler time, not without its challenges, but full of possibility. Bev embraced that life fully. She dedicated herself to building a home filled with warmth and joy. Together, she and Tony raised two children, Deanand Denise (Westcott), and created a family life grounded in love, hard work, and celebration.
Bev’s life was defined by care. She cared for her family, cared for their future, and cared for the moments that made life meaningful. She had a gift for planning and preparing for what came next, whether that meant taking on a part-time job to make a dream possible, planning family gatherings, or creating opportunities for joy. Her great adventure in life was ensuring that those she loved had experiences to cherish. In many ways, she lived the life so many people now
strive for – one centred not on things, but on family, friends, and shared happiness.
When she became a grandmother, her world expanded again. Heather, Matthew, Ariel, and Atticus became the lights of her life. She embraced her role with joy and purpose – never as a parent, always as a grandparent in the truest sense. She spoiled them endlessly, celebrated every achievement no matter how small, and made sure they always knew they were deeply loved. Her home, her attention, and her heart were always open to them.
Bev and Tony began their life together in Whitby, and spent the last 20 years in Port Hope, where they found community, friendship, and home. Together they travelled, built friendships, and filled their home with books, conversations, and celebrations. After Tony’s passing, Bev faced the challenge of life on her own with quiet strength and belief in herself. She built routines, formed deep friendships, and remained devoted to her children and grandchildren. Her home
remained what it had always been – a place of welcome. The door was always open. You never had to call ahead. There were always snacks, drinks in the fridge, and a chair waiting for you. Dropping in wasn’t just allowed, it was encouraged.
In her final years, her friends and neighbours became a source of great comfort and joy. She loved these people and was grateful for these relationships that helped to make her life full. She passed as she had hoped to – at home, surrounded by her children and her son-in-law, David (Westcott) in the place she loved and worked so hard to create.
We do need to express our deep appreciation to Dr. Kate Everdell, whose compassion, care, and old-fashioned dedication ensured that Bev was heard, respected, and supported through these sudden and challenging last days. Her kindness and professionalism made an immeasurable difference during a difficult time.
Bev lived a life devoted to family, friendship, and love. She showed us that a good life is built through attention, generosity, and care for others. There is no way to measure how much she will be missed. We were all fortunate to have her in our lives for the time that we did.
In keeping with her wishes, a small, private gathering will be held for the family to honour Bev’s life. For those who wish to do so, donations in Bev’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Canadian Red Cross, organizations whose work reflects the care, compassion, and service she valued.