Tanya Renee Tessemaker

Tanya Renee Tessemaker, affectionately known as “Tanny” by her family, went home to be with her loving Lord and Savior on July 22, 2025, after a courageous battle with breast cancer that later metastasized to her lungs. She was 49 years old.

Born on May 20, 1976, in Calgary, Alberta, Tanya was the beloved daughter of Klaas and Thelma Tessemaker and cherished sister to Jocelyn and Amanda. She spent her early years in Kamloops and Abbotsford, where she was surrounded by the warmth of family and childhood friendships. As an adult, Tanya made her home in Langley, BC, where she lived for many years and where she passed away in the loving care of family and the staff of Langley Hospice Residence.

Tanya’s joyful spirit shone through from an early age. Though she was born prematurely and learned to walk with cerebral palsy, she embraced life’s challenges with remarkable strength. As a child, she found great joy in swimming, playing “store,” Barbies, and board games with her sisters, as well as going on family trips to Adams Lake and Alberta. Her quick wit and infectious laughter made her a beloved presence. In later years, Tanya faced cancer with the same courage and determination that had always defined her.

After graduating from high school Tanya explored a variety of potential career paths.  Following completion of a certificate in administration and hotel management, Tanya went on a mission trip to Indonesia and then completed a two year diploma at Bible college.  She followed her studies with a working career in office administration, including roles at Power to Change in reception, and at Corvista Enterprises in search engine optimization and prescription verification.

Gifted with a love for words and language, Tanya excelled at word games, writing, and could recall the lyrics to countless songs. She had a beautiful singing voice and found great joy in music, often singing along to her favourite tunes or joining in during worship. Tanya also had a keen eye for fashion, frequently volunteering at fashion shows and generously sharing her style advice with friends and family. She served her community through her work at Mission Thrift Store in Langley.

Tanya loved quality time spent with both family and friends. She cared deeply for others and enjoyed nothing better than a good conversation. Above all, she treasured her role as auntie to Josiah, Isaac, Amarra, and Shenae, and enjoyed Starbucks drinks, board games and laughter with them as the years passed.

Tanya’s life was deeply rooted in faith that carried her through seasons of anxiety and depression.  As an active member of the Christian community, Tanya cherished her involvement in small groups, Bible studies, and Alpha courses, where she engaged openly in discussing faith and supporting others’ journeys. She called North Langley Community Church her home, while enjoying visits to Langley Immanuel CRC with her family in recent months.

Tanya’s life was a testimony to perseverance and faith through struggles and challenges. We will miss her deeply, but we rejoice that she is now at peace in the arms of our Savior.

Tanya was predeceased by her mother Thelma Janet Tessemaker (September 2023).

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Langley Immanuel Christian Reformed Church.  The service will be livestreamed and recorded at https://www.youtube.com/live/VW164eMUO7w .

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” — John 3:16