ANTONIA JOHANNA VOSTERS (SCHOOFS) (TONI)

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ANTONIA JOHANNA VOSTERS
(nee SCHOOFS)

Antonia (Toni) passed away peacefully May 14, 2019, at the Charleswood Care Centre, at the age of 86.
Toni was born in Bladel, Netherlands on June 15, 1932. In 1953, along with her parents and eight of her nine siblings, Toni immigrated to Canada where she and her family worked in the sugar beet fields outside of St. Eustache, MB. Peter Vosters followed Toni to Canada one year later, and the two were married during a prairie blizzard on November 5, 1955. After living for one year in St. Boniface, Toni and Peter bought their home in Charleswood where they raised their seven children. Toni and Peter's home was a hub of activity, a place where friends, neighbours, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandchildren were always welcome (and well fed!).
Toni's generosity and commitment to community extended beyond family and friends. She served on the board of the Roblin Park Community Centre and the Charleswood School Board. She was an active member of the New Democratic Party and ran for election as a representative for the party in the Charleswood riding. As a Catholic, Toni was passionate about social justice and was a long-time member of World Development and Peace, where she also served on the national board for several years.
Toni was preceded in death by her parents, Louis and Wilhelmina; sisters, Lena, Drina and Katie; brothers, John and Bill; grandson Wilfred; sisters and brothers-in-law, Gerrit, Mien, Simon, Herman, Louis, Herb, Gisele, Theo, Riet, Jan, Anna, Jeanne, Piet, Cor and Georgette. Tragically, two days before Toni died her son-in-law Robert Harvey (Laurie's beloved partner) passed away after a two-year battle with cancer. As we mourn for Toni, our family also mourns for Robert.
Toni is survived by her children, John (Sid), Louis (Sheila), Helene (Cassie), Ted, Rob (Marilyn), Laurie and Don; grandchildren, Leah (Adrian), Nicole, Jade (Shane), Erin (Damian), Ryan, Justin, Megan (Tom), William, Breda (Erika) and Richard; great-grandchildren, Jenai, Julian, Storm and Axl; and sisters, brother and brothers and sisters-in-law, Corrie, Anne (Ted), Louis (Anne) and Terry (Bill); Dora, Noud (Cor), Jan (Miek), and Truus.
The family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Charleswood Care Centre and to the many home care workers who helped to care for Toni over the years.
In keeping with Toni's wishes, cremation has taken place. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 23 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 4588 Roblin Blvd., Winnipeg, MB. The service will be followed immediately afterward by a Celebration of Life reception at the Charleswood Legion, 5995 Roblin Blvd.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Development and Peace Canada (or to a social justice or community organization of your choosing).

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 18, 2019