Ruth-Ann Van Der Gulik

It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of our beautiful wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister-in-law, aunt and friend, Ruth-Ann VanDerGulik (nee Gallagher) on May 4, 2023 at Royal Victoria Health Centre with family by her side.

Left to celebrate her life and miss her presence is her best friend, soul mate and husband Nicholaas VanDerGulik, her sons James Dahlke (Karen), Jason Dahlke, daughter Michelle Brady (Mike) and Nick’s children Cheryl Smyth (Mike); Brian VanDerGulik (Michele); Scott VanDerGulik (Sue) and Nicole Cummings (Kirk). 

Hers was a large family that included grandchildren Christopher, Montanna, Maggie, Kate, James, Nicole, Shannon, Robert, Courtney, Brock, Kevin, Jennifer, Richard, Chloe and Lauren and great-grandchildren Syd, Rosie, Lily, Dahlia, Andrea, Mathew, Tyler, Emma, Tristan, Bethany, Brielle, Beckett, Colby, Jackson, Ethan, Nathan, Emily, Daniel, Nolan and Cyrus.

Pre-deceased by her mother Mary Gallagher, father Gus Gallagher, brother Joey Gallagher, sister Ann Beaton and Ulrich Dahlke, who always had a special place in her heart.

Ruthie met every hardship in life with positivity and determination and lived a life of joy, taking great pride in the accomplishments of her family. Having lost her parents and siblings early in life, she was a very present auntie to Laurie, Patricia, Steven and Amanda as they grew up. Battling MS for 30 years, she met every medical challenge with a smile on her face, a stubborn resolve and with the love of her life Nick by her side. He moved heaven and earth to make her happy, comfortable and safe and doted on her even more as her disease progressed. Their love story was legendary.

Interment will take place at Innisvale Cemetery, Innisfil ON at 11 am on Saturday July 8, 2023, followed by a celebration of life at the IOOF Heritage Place, 20 Brooks St., Barrie ON. In lieu of flowers, donations to the MS Society in the name of Ruth-Ann VanDerGulik would be greatly appreciated.