VAN PELT, Lena

VAN PELT

LENA VAN PELT, beloved wife of the late Cornelius “Cor” Van Pelt of 57 years in January 2020, was called home on Monday, April 13th, 2020 at the age of 78 years.

Mom is survived by her four children, 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren: Debbie Van Pelt of Denver, CO, and her children, Hannah and Noah; David (Christina) Van Pelt of Coaldale, and their children, Martina, Liana, Erica and Isaac; Corlene (Joe) Groenenboom of Kipp, and their children, Tim (Carmen), Becca (Cole) and their daughter, Ava, Joel (Rieneke) and their children, Sadie and Dean, Rachel, and Aaron (Kaitlyn) and their son, Colton; and Tanya (Ian) Russell and their children, Kennidy, Kourt, and Ty. She is also survived by her sister, Koos (Dick) Van Ree, her brother, John (Kathy) Van Westenbrugge and brother-in-law Gerard Toeters as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, Floris and Martina Van Westenbrugge, her sister, Nellie Toeters and her brother, Adrian Van Westenbrugge.

Mom was born on June 15, 1941 in Zierikzee, The Netherlands. She moved to Canada with her parents and siblings in 1953, following the North Sea flood, and they settled in the Lethbridge area. As children, we never tired of hearing the story of the great flood – how Mom’s entire family had been stranded on the roof of their home, with the only possession they managed to save being Opa’s tool box. After 2 days on the roof, they were eventually rescued by boat . Opa Van Westenbrugge had always wanted to move to Canada, and so with only the tool box to their name, their adventure to Canada began.

In 1956, Mom met the love of her life – Cor Van Pelt. Dad told Mom he wanted her to be the mother of his children on their first date and the couple was married on June 2, 1962. Together, they had four children: Debbie, David, Corlene and Tanya. Mom and Dad were faithful members of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, where the whole family attended and actively participated in talent shows, dime-a-dip suppers and Vacation Bible School. Mom enjoyed the company of many of the church ladies, many of whom she had known since a teenager, through the youth group at Hope Reformed Church.

Mom was an avid and talented seamstress and used her skills for both enjoyment and in helping others. She would spend hours in her sewing room, listening to her favorite music and hymns, while she enjoyed sewing the most detailed Barbie and doll clothes, making clothes for herself and performing her invisible alterations and mending for both family and friends. Mom had a knack for thriftiness- if anyone could stretch a penny into a roll of copper wire, it was Mom. Her thriftiness did not limit her generosity though. There was always room at the table for whoever stopped by. After school, you could find the whole neighbourhood around the kitchen table, sharing tea, biscuits and a laugh. Friends who came by at mealtime were always invited to join us – it might mean adding a slice of bread to the meal but everyone was welcome to stay for supper. Those that shared our table often started out as acquaintances or friends but invariably grew to be family.

Most of all, Mom loved spending time with her family – visiting with her sisters, making up silly songs and games for her grandkids when they were young and just enjoying the company of family as they grew older. Every visit or phone call with Mom always ended with her saying “I love you”. We love you too Mom. Alles is goed!

Thank you to the staff of St. Therese Villa and Unit 4C at the Chinook Regional Hospital.

A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at Archmount Cemetery with Reverend Hugh Jack officiating.

In memory of Lena, donations may be made to Parkinson Canada at www.parkinson.ca/donate or to Compassion Canada at www.compassion.ca/make-a-donation

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com