Wiegertje "Wil" Maria (née v.d. Klok) JOHNSTON

December 17, 1946 - September 26, 2025

Wiegertje "Wil" Maria Johnston (née v.d. Klok) entered peacefully into glory with her Saviour on September 26, 2025, at the age of 78. Beloved wife of Glen for 57 years, much-loved and devoted mother of Melissa (Derek), Jeff (Laura), Jeremy (Laurie), cherished Oma of Joseph (Emily), Nate, Avonlea, Jack, Katie (Hudson), McKenna, Sam, and Abby, and special great-Oma to her precious great-grandson, Bruce, and her sweetly anticipated second grandbaby (still enroute). She will be fondly remembered by her siblings, Jerry (Murna), Margaret (Tom), Annette (Brad), Sharon (Terry), Barry (Deb), Sandra (Shahid), Tom, and her many dearly loved cousins, nieces, and nephews. Predeceased by her greatly missed sister Hilda (Andy), and her dear parents and in-laws, Hilbert and Marie v.d. Klok, and Russell and Aleda Johnston.

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Wil was born after the war in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. At the age of eight, she immigrated with her family to Canada. Although she was proud of her newly adopted Canadian homeland, she also valued her Dutch heritage, enjoying dropjes, muisjes, liverwurst, and apple flappen, as well as regularly celebrating Sinterklaas Day with her children and grandchildren. As an adult, she pursued and was granted a Dutch/Canadian dual citizenship. At the age of seventeen, she lost her leg to cancer and went on to beat cancer again 12 years later. For several years, she worked as a receptionist and clerk in the Emergency department at Welland Hospital, greeting and triaging patients and assisting medical staff. She was an active member of Rosedale Baptist Church in Welland for over 60 years, participating in youth and ladies' ministries, hospitality, and food preparation, and serving as the church clerk. She also sang in the choir for many years. Her heavenly soprano voice, offered in praise to her Creator, richly blessed all who heard. She was also known for mentoring younger women, writing encouragement cards, and praying regularly for those in need. She had a gift for making her home warm and welcoming (what the Dutch call "gezellig"). She carried herself with dignity, often joking that she was related to Queen Wilhelmina. She was always elegantly dressed and often had her golden hair gathered into a graceful, Victorian bun. Christmas time was her favourite season because she loved the beautiful decorations, gift-giving, family time, and the celebration of the Saviour. Most importantly, she was a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ. As she neared her passing, she was sad to leave her family and friends, but was eager to meet her Lord. Her faith has now become sight as she beholds Jesus face-to-face. "Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord" (2 Cor 5:8). ​

A memorial service to celebrate her life with family and friends will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Rosedale Baptist Church in Welland.

Obituary in the Welland Tribune (published Saturday, October 4)