Alta Mae van Andel died suddenly on April 9th, 2025. She enjoyed lunch, a chat with her husband about the morning’s affairs, finished a cup of tea and fell asleep.
Alta was born in Orillia in 1939 to Lauren and Dorothy Coones (nee Varty). The family, soon to include brothers Alvin and Grant, spent their early days in Smooth Rock Falls and New Liskeard. After the early death of Lauren, they moved back to Orillia and rebuilt their lives.
Alta met her husband Greg van Andel through her friend, Wilhemina, coincidentally Greg’s twin sister. She said it was the blue nylons she wore for their first date at a square dance that made it love at first sight! Going forward, Greg and Alta were always a team. They renovated homes, built a cottage, travelled Canada (all the way to Newfoundland in a Model A Ford), entertained, farmed, ran a bakery, gardened, did jigsaw puzzles and played cards together every night after supper. Throughout their 63 years of marriage, they went further, saw more, loved more than they could ever have imagined.
Most important to them - the most important - was family. They raised three children, Tena, Kevin and Carrie, welcomed outlaws, Paul, Melody and Erwin and were the most joyful, nurturing, giving grandparents and great grandparents. Although she rarely gambled, Alta could make you smile with her an unshakeable belief that one day she would win big. She didn’t want it for herself, she was never the dripping in diamonds kinda gal, but she dreamed of spoiling her family with untold riches! She never won, but what did it matter? Alta truly spoiled everyone in the ways that meant more than money - a ready cup of tea with homemade cookies, a sympathetic ear and always a great big hug.
Alta was incredibly creative and always curious. Her first real job at the age of 17 was as a teacher in a one room schoolhouse. She was a natural educator often learning new things along with the children she taught. She excelled at conquering new challenges – growing a grapefruit tree from seed, a complicated knitting pattern, just the right way to draw a nose, and the computer! Her guidance and enthusiasm got many of us started on new projects. Anyone interested was welcomed to spend an afternoon in the sewing room learning from her expertise on how to quilt, knit, paint or whatever new endeavour sparked her curiosity.
No doubt about it, she was talented. Her gardens and paintings reflected her warm personality, love of colour and beauty. Like the quilts she stitched, Alta’s life was a beautiful patchwork. Her stitches at times may’ve been measured, joyful, determined, proud, careful, sad, dramatic, chaotic, or thoughtful, but they were always strong. Her quilt is finished now, but my goodness, it is beautiful.
She didn’t leave us - her presence will be felt every time we look at one of her paintings, sleep under one of her quilts, walk through a beautiful garden and hear a good joke.
All are welcome to Alta’s last party – It will be held on June 1st from 1:30 to 3:30 at the Orillia Legion, 215 Mississauga Street East, Orillia. Don’t wear black - she thought it made people look old - and be prepared to tell a joke!
Arrangements entrusted to Carson Funeral Homes L. Doolittle Chapel, 54 Coldwater St. E., Orillia (705) 326-3595.
Condolences
george and cheryl priest
Apr 23, 2025During my teen years, l stayed with Uncle Greg, Aunt Alta, and the 3 cousins. Always warm, welcome, and helpful, with strict rules of Dutch history included. Rest easy, Aunt, perhaps we'll meet again.
Marjorie Miconi
Apr 23, 2025Oh my goodness, I will miss this ovely lady.....my aunt, confidante, friend. She embraced all her family with love and loyalty. Sincere condolences to the family. ..as we feel here absence deeply. Let's celebrate her loving legacy.
Andrea Magill
Apr 23, 2025A loving and beautiful person and the life and soul of the party. She will always be in our thoughts and hearts. Deepest condolences to all her family. Tá réalta nua ag lonrú orainn go léir. ( a new star shines down apon us all ) Andrea & Yvonne Magill
Sue
Apr 23, 2025My heartfelt sympathy for everyone grieving their loss of Alta. She was a rock in my life and I at times was more of a worry in hers. It seems very unfair to her though I shall always relish in the stories she would make out of it and thus that reverse way of letting you know how much she cared for you. Alta was kind, giving, grateful for all that she had. She wished only the best for people but equally let it be known when actions were inappropriate no matter who you were. That frankness in a way that was inoffensive will be something I cherish and remember always. Aunt Alta - May you now “rock” the place you are, like you rocked it here with us.