Sunday, March 23, 2025
2:30 - 3:30 pm (Eastern time)
In Loving Memory of Yette Vandendam April 9, 1969 – February 25, 2025
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Yette Vandendam, age 55, who left us after a courageous 14-month battle with pancreatic cancer.
Yette was the cherished daughter of Mary Vandendam and the late John Vandendam and the treasured baby sister to her older siblings: Hank Vandendam, Betty Wade (Rod), Peggy Cuff (Brent) and Susan Vandendam (Jeff). She was a proud and loving aunt (and great aunt) to her nieces and nephews. Her family was her heart and soul, and she was known for her warm, caring spirit and her ability to make everyone around her laugh. Yette also had the rare and beautiful gift of a lifelong friendship with Joanne Meyer, who she met in kindergarten. Their friendship spanned over 50 years, with Joanne offering unwavering love and companionship throughout Yette’s life.
Her childhood was filled with both magic and curiosity, shaped by the enchanting Dutch folklore rooted in her heritage. She fondly recalled walking a goat through town, riding horses, and her love of arts, theatre, and comedy. This eclectic upbringing, shaped by both the joys and challenges of her family life, fostered her creativity and love for travel and storytelling--qualities that she carried with her into her career. Whether harmonizing with the radio or inspiring those around her with her infectious laughter, her quick wit, warmth and humour left a lasting impression on those in her life.
A graduate of TMU (formerly Ryerson) with a degree in Radio and Television Arts, Yette’s career was nothing short of remarkable. She began as an Associate Director at CBC, working behind the scenes to time and call live-to-air newscasts and broadcast specials. This foundation led her to a successful career in Network Television Sports where she enjoyed opportunities to travel the world and broadcast nine Olympic Games in eight different nations. The pinnacle of her early career was serving as the Department Head of Information for Olympic Broadcast Services at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
Yette’s love of travel took her to many corners of the globe. As the daughter of first-generation Canadian parents from Holland she cherished her Dutch roots and was deeply proud of her heritage. Yette traveled extensively through Europe including a special trip to Belgium shortly before her diagnosis, where she embraced local living and reveled in the simplicity of daily life. Her travels also spanned North America, Australia, Asia and South America, often for her work but always with a love for the experience itself. This not only enriched her life but gave her the chance to share the world’s stories with others through her work including Olympic host country travel vignettes. In recent years Yette brought her expertise to the world of Reality Television. As Executive Producer of Canada’s Drag Race and Canada’s Drag Race: Canada vs the World she contributed to the series winning a 2024 CSA Award for Best Competition Reality and multiple craft award wins and series nominations. She also worked on Family Feud Canada and Dragon’s Den, earning additional CSA nominations and served as Series Producer for Say Yes to the Dress Canada and Sugar Showdown. Yette’s work as a producer and director on MasterChef Canada, Chopped Canada and Canada’s Greatest Know It All earned her a reputation for excellence in her field.
While travel was a passion, Yette also had a talent for bringing people together through food. She was a fantastic chef (food was her superpower) and would always impress friends and family with outstanding dinners complete with gourmet desserts. Her love of food was only surpassed by her love for the people she shared it with. She took great joy in hosting gatherings and sharing good times filled with debate, connection and laughter.
Yette will be remembered as the heart of her family, a brilliant storyteller and a generous soul. She spent her last year surrounded by loved ones, fully embracing every moment and creating memories that will forever be treasured. Despite her illness, she called it her "retirement" and she approached this time with strength, humour and gratitude.
Over the past year, Yette was touched by her personal team of friends and family who provided support and care. They helped make the very best of a difficult year.
Yette’s family extend a special thanks to Dr. Urszula Zurawska and the Oncology Unit at St. Joseph’s Hospital along with Dr. Rebecca Wortzman and the staff and volunteers at Dorothy Ley Hospice. Yette’s family are deeply grateful for the kindness and care she received. In her memory, Yette would be touched by flowers sent in her honor or trees planted in her name, alongside donations be made to St. Joseph’s and Dorothy Ley Hospice.
A celebration of Yette’s life will be held at Ward Weston Chapel, 2035 Weston Road, Toronto on March 23rd from 2 to 4pm.
As Yette would have wanted, we hope you will come with humour and joy, remembering her for the warmth, laughter and happy times shared together. In her final year Yette came to realize that her true legacy was not in accolades or achievements but in the deep connections, love and peace she felt with those closest to her.
Click here to donate to Dorothy Ley Hospice
Click here to donate to St. Joseph Health Centre Foundation
Sunday, March 23, 2025
2:30 - 3:30 pm (Eastern time)
Ward Funeral Home - Weston Chapel
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