After a brave and determined fight with congestive heart failure, Willie found her peace at home on Tuesday July 25, 2023 at the age of 88 years.
Surrounded by family, friends and colleagues from work over the past weeks, she ensured that each one knew that they were loved, their friendships were cherished and how much each one brought joy to her life.
Willie was the eldest of seven Frisian children. When she was 18, she came to Niagara Falls, Canada from the Netherlands with her family; after a time they needed to return to the Netherlands and Willie stayed behind. It was here that she met Byron Essery, the father of her four children. Together, they dreamt of building a beautiful property and raising a family in Campbellville, ON.
Willie was a devoted companion and best friend of Trevor Ashby. Cherished mother of Garth (Colleen), Earl (Michele), Charmaine and Sabrina. She was an amazing Oma to Jacob (Julia), Aidon (Hannah), Jordan (Matt), Isis (Shea), Rhiannon, Logan (Theo), Teviah, Eli, Tylan (Darinka), Lacey (James), Chase (Jen), Wade (Karly), Tanner (Alex) and a joyous great-grandmother to Aune, Maud, Roselyn, Paisley, Wyatt, Lennon, Ava and Georgia. Willie leaves behind her sisters; Nia (Boele) and Fenny who she spoke with regularly and remained so close with. Many nieces, nephews and cousins in the Netherlands and Niagara Falls will miss her dearly as well. She is predeceased by her parents; Geert and Brechtje Katje, her brothers; Piet, Catharines and Dave and her sister Elska.
Willie had just been honoured with being recognized for her 50 year membership with the Guelph and District Association of Realtors and was one of the original Realtors® with Royal City Realty. She was passionate about being part of the Real Estate family and Industry, and, working with her daughter, Sabrina as Team Essery. Her reputation was one of honesty, integrity and dedication to all of her clients and colleagues. Many of her clients became her dearest friends.
She loved reading, scrabble, crossword puzzles and Jeopardy. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family and friends and was always looking forward to the next family event or social gathering. The Final Jeopardy Question is: Back before the days of computers, she once wrote an “Offer to Purchase” on the back of a brown paper bag because her clients were rushing to the airport after the showing. She really had the deal in the bag with that one! The Answer: Who is Willie Essery?; the woman who will be truly missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held October 1st (details to follow). Arrangements entrusted to Brombal Funeral Home & Cremation Care Ltd., One Delhi Street, Guelph. Memorial contributions to the charity of one’s choice would be appreciated by the family. We invite you to leave your memories and donations online at: www.brombal.ca and they will be forwarded to the family.