Obituary of Louise Alice Millar

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Louise Vanderkolff Millar on March 19 at the age of 77. An exceptional woman with a beautiful heart and soul, she left a profound and lasting impact on so many throughout her life.

Louise will be sorely missed by her entire family.  Louise was doubly blessed to have loved and been loved by her “Two Peters”.  She is now reunited with Peter Vanderkolff, who passed away in 1978, and Peter Millar, who passed away in 2009.  Louise’s parents, John and Luise Neufeld; sister, Elly York; brother-in-law, Jim York; and stepson, Jeffrey Millar, predecease her.  She is deeply loved and missed by her children, Stephen Vanderkolff (Darlene), Jonathan Vanderkolff (Michelle) and Heidi Corbett (Glenn); and cherished grandchildren, Katrina, Sarah, Claire, Ava, Ella, Emily, Nicholas, Brock, and Shelby.  Louise also leaves behind her brothers, John Neufeld (Frieda) and Kurt Neufeld (Sue), and her stepson Jon Millar (Patricia) and their children.

Louise was a woman of great strength, determination, and compassion. A loving wife, mother and oma, Louise spent most of her life giving to others and bringing joy, guidance and help to those around her. In the early years, she gave countless hours to the Dutch Boy Cadets, Meals on Wheels, K-W Oktoberfest and her sorority, Beta Sigma Phi.  ‘Mr. and Mrs. V’, as Louise and Peter Vanderkolff were called, went on to found the Ventures All-Girl Drum and Bugle Corps.  This organization, which Louise made a family and a home, has had a profound and lasting impact on thousands of young women over the last 45 years.  After the sudden passing of Peter Vanderkolff from heart disease in 1978, Louise became Chaplain-on-Call at the hospital and volunteered for the Canadian Cancer Society with her sorority.  She also began her long and determined career with the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

During this time, Louise met and married her ‘Second Peter’, Peter Millar.

The two of them shared a profound love and together continued to give fully to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Ventures, and K-W Oktoberfest. Louise was a woman who loved unconditionally, particularly when it came to her grandchildren.  Whether family gatherings at the cottage or traveling great distances to see all the grandkids’ activities, there was a sparkle in her eye and a contagious smile when she saw and interacted with them.  They were truly the ultimate joy of her life.

Louise’s family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the incredible staff at the Westmount.  The care and love you’ve given Louise over the years means more than any words can express.  She was truly one of your family and her passing is a great loss for all of you as well.  A very special thank you from Louise’s daughter, Heidi, for your support, reassurance and friendship.  You will be missed and always fondly remembered.

Friends are invited to share their memories of Louise with her family during visitation at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street South, Waterloo on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. and on Thursday, March 29, 2018 from 12:30-1:45pm.  The funeral service will be held in the chapel of the funeral home at 2p.m.  The interment will follow at 3p.m., Parkview Cemetery, Waterloo. A reception at the funeral home will follow. In lieu of flowers and expressions of sympathy the family has asked for donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Waterloo Region.  This may be arranged through the funeral home at www.erbgood.com or 519.745.8445.