Sister Wilhelmina Van Herk CSJ

The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada announces the death of their dear Sister Wilhelmina Van Herk on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at home in our care centre, 485 Windermere Road, London, ON.

 Mary was born on September 5, 1930, in Duizel, Netherlands. In 1948, the family immigrated to Canada and farmed near Iron Spring, Alberta, before relocating to Ontario near Mitchell. She joined the Sisters of St. Joseph on August 2, 1956, and was given the name Sister Wilhelmina.

Sister Wilhelmina is fondly remembered by her CSJ Sisters, as well as her sisters Cathy (Jim) Van Bussel and Elizabeth (Joe) Van Ryswyk, and brothers Albert (Judy) Van Herk and Bernard Van Herk. She will also be missed by sisters-in-law, Dora Van Herk and Marilin Johnson Van Herk, as well as nieces and nephews and their families. She was predeceased by her parents, Hendrina and Albert Van Herk; brothers Peter (Mary) Van Herk, Arnold (Theresa) Van Herk, and John Van Herk; sister Theresa (Harold) Bannon; her sisters-in-law Jenny Van Herk, Barbara Van Herk; and Donna (Hinz) Van Herk. 

Sister Wilhelmina’s ministry reflected a lifelong commitment to service, hospitality, and attentive care. Her first assignment was at St. Mary’s Hospital in London, where she served in supervisory roles. From 1972 to 1974, she returned to Mount St. Joseph, serving as supervisor of housekeeping and the dining room. She later ministered at the General Hospital in Killam, Alberta. After returning to London in 1976, she studied to become a health care aide in geriatrics. She offered specialized care to residents, tending to their clothing needs and thoughtfully purchasing small items to brighten their days. In the late 1980s, she returned to Mount St. Joseph as Assistant Administrator, responsible for the residence's general upkeep.

 Even in semi-retirement, she stayed active by caring for the crystal room and helping organize special events, always bringing her signature gift—loving attention to detail. She officially retired in 2019. Sister Wilhelmina approached each day with openness and warmth. Anyone who had the opportunity to interact with her felt welcomed and valued. A natural storyteller, she shared tales of her family and a wide range of life experiences that shaped her.

 As Sister Wilhelmina’s health declined and activities decreased, she accepted these changes with humility and grace. With grateful hearts, we thank God for Sister Wilhelmina’s presence among us and for the tender care she received from our care centre staff.

All services will be held at the Sisters' Residence, 485 Windermere Rd, London. Visitation on Tuesday, September 1, from 2:30 – 4:00 p.m., and from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, September 2, at 11:00 a.m

 Interment to follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery, London.   Funeral Mass will be livestreamed at www.csjcanada.org/funeralwvanherk.

 Expressions of sympathy or donations to the works of the Congregation in memory of Sister Wilhelmina Van Herk may be made at www.csjcanada.org 

Online condolences at www.oneilfuneralhome.ca