Van Graven, Gabriella Lucia (nee van Stijn)
October 31, 2010
It is with great sadness and much sorrow that we announce the passing of Gabriella Van Graven. Surrounded by her loving family, Gabriella lost her valiant battle with cancer on October 31. In addition to being the cherished wife of Jack, she was a loving mother to Mary Ann (Don Charge), Neil (Sue) and John (Florence) and proud Omi of Amanda, James and Jack Van Graven.
Born in Lisse, the Netherlands, Gabriella is predeceased by her parents and two brothers. She leaves to mourn her surviving three brothers, two sisters and their families.
After meeting the love of her life in 1975, Gabriella immigrated to Canada where she traded her life as a businesswoman for a new adventure as a wife and mother of a readymade family in a logging camp.
Gabriella’s warmth, compassion and wonderful sense of humour enriched the lives of all she met.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010 at 11 am at Christ the King Catholic Church in Courtenay. Arrangements were entrusted to Comox Valley Funeral Home.
The family would like to thank Heather and the other palliative care nurses at St. Josephs Hospital for their wonderful care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be deeply appreciated.