It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Elisabeth (Betsie) van der Linden of Bellevue, Alberta who peacefully passed away while surrounded by the love of her family on December 11, 2014 at the Crowsnest Pass Health Care Centre at the age of 81 years.
Betsie was born on September 23, 1933 in Lieden, Netherlands to Johannes & Dirkje Verbaas. She and her six siblings were raised with love and taught to take pride in yourself, in your work and your family. She and her family witnessed the hardships and violence of war and made the decision to leave Holland to have a more prosperous life. They immigrated to Picture Butte in 1952 where Betsie began working in the sugar beet fields. She was swept off her feet by a dashing young man, Arie van der Linden and they delighted in each other’s company and found summer work at the Bellevue Bakery. They were wed on April 24, 1954 in Picture Butte, Alberta and were blessed with their own family of twelve children. Betsie was devoted to her family and making her home a place of love, laughter and respect for each other. Her memory for birthdays and special family occasions was amazing. She made the van der Linden’s house a welcome to the entire neighborhood and she cared for every child that walked in the door.
Betsie’s first thoughts were always for those around her, but she also had enjoyable pastimes: gardening, bingo, hunting, fishing and camping, soap operas, TV game shows, cards and cheering for her favourite sports teams, the Detroit Red Wings, Calgary Flames and Stampeders.
She was feisty and set in her ways but her compassion and generous heart will always be fondly remembered and greatly missed. We take comfort that her hard working hands are now entwined with her beloved late husband and they are together with our Lord.
Betsie is survived by her children, Peter van der Linden of Bellevue, John (Lisa Tuza) van der Linden of Coleman, Arie Jr. (Celia) van der Linden of MacKenzie, BC, George (Helga) van der Linden of Hinton, Fred van der Linden of Bellevue, Jack van der Linden of Bellevue, Doreen (Gordon) Glavin of Hillcrest, Stan (Kim) van der Linden of Strathmore, Brian van der Linden of Bellevue, Betty (Dane) Newton of Hillcrest and Gloria (Brad) Navratil of Bellevue; fifteen grandchildren; fifteen great grandchildren; her brothers, Jake Verbaas, Jim (Linda) Verbaas, Henry (Lena) Verbaas and Conrad (Anne) Verbaas; her sister, Suzanne (Charlie) Martin and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family as well as the many friends she made throughout her lifetime.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Arie van der Linden; her parents, Johannes & Dirkje Verbaas; her son, David van der Linden; and her sister, Heiltje Verbaas.
The Funeral Service was held on Saturday, December 20, 2014 at 1:00 pm in the M.D. McEachern Community Complex in Bellevue with Pastor Al Robinson officiating. The interment followed at the Passburg Union Cemetery. Pallbearers were: Rochelle Abma, David Glavin, Brett Newton, Dillon Newton, Robbie Loseth, Brad Navratil, Dane Newton and Marc Ostrensky.
Donations in memory may be directed towards S.T.A.R.S. Air Ambulance, Box 570, 1441 Aviation Park NE, Calgary AB T2E 8M7 or the Canadian Diabetes Association, 204, 2323-32 Ave NE, Calgary, AB T2E 6Z3.
Fantin's Funeral Chapel entrusted with arrangements. (403) 562-8555.
Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.