Francine (Sami) Barbara Van Gaalen — Victoria Simply Cremations

Obituary Added: 2024-09-14

Francine (Sami) Barbara Poitras Van Gaalen
Nov 1951- Sep 2024
It is with sadness that we say farewell to our beloved Sami. A steadfast, feisty, kind and loving woman. Those who knew her well, know that her love and friendship were an honour to be shared.
Sami was predeceased by her parents, her sister and her best and dearest love, Douglas Van Gaalen who was her partner in love, life and adventures until he passed in August 2017.
Sami leaves behind a large extended family; sisters, daughter, stepson, in-laws, nieces/nephews and great nieces/nephews, cousins and on it goes. She will be missed by all, sadness may come but Sami will always be in our hearts and memories.
Sami had a great career in the hospitality industry in Calgary, Toronto & at the Rose Bud Bed & Breakfast. When Sami and Douglas moved to Port Alberni, Sami learned new skills in painting (both homes and canvas), she also worked in the Optometry industry. Douglas and Sami moved to Victoria and took on the positions of Mangers for the Kiwanis’ Oak Bay Manor. Sami ended her career with the Kiwanis, managing a 71-suite building.
Sami was surrounded by her sisters and loving friends, supporting her with love and prayers for her flight into her next adventure. Sami is at peace and no longer suffers. May the light carry her to the loving presence of her dearest Douglas and her Lord.
Sami’s family and friends would like to extend a huge expression of gratitude to the Palliative Care Team from Island Health, the Victoria Hospice – Richmond Pavilion staff, her medical team, the Kiwanians and residents of the Manor, friends on Vancouver Island; all who loved and supported her through this difficult journey.
As per Sami’s wishes there will be no service held. Respectfully, in lieu of flowers she suggests making a donation to a charity of your choice.

Should you wish to connect you can contact Kate King – kckncal@icloud.com

One Condolence - Leave a comment

Dolores Anthony - October 26, 2024 at 10:57 am

Sami was a loyal friend who offered her help and support when I most needed it,dispite her own worries.She was interesting and a fun-loving person.
Thanks for the memories!

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Don’t even think about using anyone else.

Leslie at Simply Cremations has been beyond outstanding in her support, understanding and professionalism following the death of my father. Don’t even think about using anyone else.

Fiona L.

Victoria Simply Cremations

2016-02-25T09:11:57-08:00

Fiona L.

Leslie at Simply Cremations has been beyond outstanding in her support, understanding and professionalism following the death of my father. Don’t even think about using anyone else.

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Respectful, caring, and accommodating

I met Leslie the day after my sweet Dad passed away. She was sensitive, respectful, caring, and accommodating.

The service she gave us from start to finish has been above and beyond, with her personally delivering a second urn to us one year later that should have been picked up by another family member.

I have come away from the whole experience with one final thought, I wish my Dad could have met her when he was alive, he would have enjoyed her too!

Linda C.

Victoria Simply Cremations

2016-02-25T09:16:03-08:00

Linda C.

I met Leslie the day after my sweet Dad passed away. She was sensitive, respectful, caring, and accommodating. The service she gave us from start to finish has been above and beyond, with her personally delivering a second urn to us one year later that should have been picked up by another family member. I have come away from the whole experience with one final thought, I wish my Dad could have met her when he was alive, he would have enjoyed her too!

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Leslie was a pleasure to deal with

When my mother passed away we reached out to Simply Cremations to assist with the arrangements for our mother's cremation.

Leslie was a pleasure to deal with. We felt no pressure to purchase services we did not require and our interaction was handled in a professional, compassionate and relaxed manner.

Linda C.

Victoria Simply Cremations

2016-02-25T09:17:29-08:00

Linda C.

When my mother passed away we reached out to Simply Cremations to assist with the arrangements for our mother's cremation. Leslie was a pleasure to deal with. We felt no pressure to purchase services we did not require and our interaction was handled in a professional, compassionate and relaxed manner.

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Kind and efficient service

Dear Leslie & company,
So appreciate your kind and efficient service after my dads passing.I know he would want to thank you too ;).

Jennifer H.

Victoria Simply Cremations

2016-02-25T09:18:32-08:00

Jennifer H.

Dear Leslie & company, So appreciate your kind and efficient service after my dads passing.I know he would want to thank you too ;).

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A pleasant experience

Thank you for making the process of arranging our Mom's cremation so simple, from the relaxed atmosphere, to the resident "therapy cats" We will not hesitate to recommend you. Just wonderful service from start to finish, you even delivered everything to us, Thank you Jordan and Leslie, you girls are just great!

Andrea B.

Victoria Simply Cremations

2016-02-28T16:42:00-08:00

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Efficient & attentive service

Hello Leslie,

Just a quick not to let you know the package you sent arrived here, all in perfect condition.

Thank you so much for your efficient and attentive service, it was very much appreciated.

It would appear this matter is now concluded.

Thanks again.

L.H.

Victoria Simply Cremations

2016-04-27T11:54:21-07:00

Hello Leslie, Just a quick not to let you know the package you sent arrived here, all in perfect condition. Thank you so much for your efficient and attentive service, it was very much appreciated. It would appear this matter is now concluded. Thanks again. L.H.

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APPRECIATED

"Your caring and kindness are appreciated more than words can say, Thank you"

David, Olivia and Sally

Victoria Simply Cremations

2016-06-15T14:16:55-07:00

"Your caring and kindness are appreciated more than words can say, Thank you" David, Olivia and Sally

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We loved the cats!

"Leslie, We appreciate all your help, and your comforting and warm disposition. And we loved the cats! Thanks for taking care of our loved one,

Ruth and Karen

Victoria Simply Cremations

2016-07-15T14:49:25-07:00

"Leslie, We appreciate all your help, and your comforting and warm disposition. And we loved the cats! Thanks for taking care of our loved one, Ruth and Karen

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Professionalism and Kindness..

Leslie. My sister Elizabeth and I want to thank you for your extremely kind and wonderful help in dealing with our fathers death and cremation. You handled it with professionalism and kindness. And you've continued to help us by signing documents and helping with a memorial long after the bill was settled. We would highly recommend you to anyone faced with the same problems. Thank you. Sincerely. Catherine Porter

Victoria Simply Cremations

2016-07-29T13:07:00-07:00

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Kind, warm, efficient, professional

Hi Leslie, I want to thank you for the beautiful space you provided for us to honour my Step-Father’s life. It was beautiful, and made everything so stress free. You provide exemplary service in every possible way. I would not think of using anyone else. You are such a pleasure in all ways, kind, warm, efficient, and professional. Thank you so much for everything you have done in handling my mother and then, my step-fathers cremation.

Anne

Victoria Simply Cremations

2016-08-25T14:56:26-07:00

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Professional & Compassionate Service

Jordan is a treasure, she has been so thoughtful , efficient, smart and kind. I am so thankful to Simply
Cremations for such wonderful service and for Jordan's professionalism and compassion. It has made a tragic and painful event a little easier. She gave comfort first then top notch service, God bless you guys - Chris M.

Victoria Simply Cremations

2018-05-01T12:38:20-07:00

Jordan is a treasure, she has been so thoughtful , efficient, smart and kind. I am so thankful to Simply Cremations for such wonderful service and for Jordan's professionalism and compassion. It has made a tragic and painful event a little easier. She gave comfort first then top notch service, God bless you guys - Chris M.

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Thank you from Laurie MacDuff

Dear Leslie

I want to thank you for everything you have done for me at Simply Cremations. Your dedication and attention to detail after the sudden passing of my husband Jamie has been such a comforting experience. Your personal touch and thoughtful actions will never be forgotten. I am recommending your outstanding service to all my friends and neighbours.

Laurie MacDuff

Victoria Simply Cremations

2020-04-23T16:29:21-07:00

Dear Leslie I want to thank you for everything you have done for me at Simply Cremations. Your dedication and attention to detail after the sudden passing of my husband Jamie has been such a comforting experience. Your personal touch and thoughtful actions will never be forgotten. I am recommending your outstanding service to all my friends and neighbours. Laurie MacDuff

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Thank you from Cheri in Quebec

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Cheri R.

Victoria Simply Cremations

2020-05-26T11:51:28-07:00

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Thank you from Katrina

Thank you so much Mallory and Leslie.

The two of you have made this process as easy as such a difficult time can be. I am forever grateful for all of your help and guidance. You are wonderful and truly caring people and so good at what you do. Thank you for everything.

Katrina

Victoria Simply Cremations

2021-03-25T18:27:52-07:00

Thank you so much Mallory and Leslie. The two of you have made this process as easy as such a difficult time can be. I am forever grateful for all of your help and guidance. You are wonderful and truly caring people and so good at what you do. Thank you for everything. Katrina

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Everything was handled perfectly

Hello Leslie
We just returned from vacation and the first thing I wanted to do is to thank you for the exceptional service you and Mallory provided making the arrangements for my father's recent passing. Everything was handled perfectly because of you ~ who would have thought this part was so simple.

Greg A.

Victoria Simply Cremations

2024-03-05T05:56:47-08:00

Greg A.

Hello Leslie We just returned from vacation and the first thing I wanted to do is to thank you for the exceptional service you and Mallory provided making the arrangements for my father's recent passing. Everything was handled perfectly because of you ~ who would have thought this part was so simple.

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