Iona Stewart Buisman

Iona Stewart Buisman passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on January 2, 2024, in her 60th year, after a brief but challenging illness. Beloved wife to Ken Buisman, loving mother to Laura and Chad, she is survived by her parents; Ken and Bernice Stewart, and her five siblings; Ken, Guy, Milly, Mark, and Faith and their families. She was a sister, mentor, and neighbour to countless others.
          Iona’s life was characterized by a deep faith in Jesus Christ, which she lived out with passion. Her love for the most vulnerable and her desire for justice was evident throughout her career and personal life as she faithfully and fervently served through local and global ministries. Iona approached everyone with a genuine eagerness to see God's image reflected in them. Iona was persistent and patient in her mission of loving deeply and generously, and her influence will have an impact for years to come.
         Iona was a teacher, an innovator, a holy troublemaker, an advocate, and a true friend. She embodied all of these with determination but in a posture of humility and grace, with an open heart and open hands. Those who had the delight of encountering her were changed for the better. We praise God for her life and are inspired to shine as she did.
         A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, January 6, at 11 AM, at Wellington Square United Church, 2121 Caroline Street, Burlington, Ontario. In recognition of Iona's commitment to justice and her passion for supporting First Nations communities and acknowledging the realities they face, we kindly request that, in lieu of flowers, you consider making a donation to the Barrie Native Friendship Centre. Your contribution will help continue her legacy of advocating for positive change.