JOHANNA VAN HAM

JOHANNA VAN HAM 1926 – 2024

Johanna Cornelia Van Ham (née Roelands), beloved mother, Oma, great grandmother and great great grandmother, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones in Medicine Hat on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. She was one month shy of her 98th birthday.

Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 1113 – 1 Street East, Bow Island on Monday, March 18, 2024 at 7:00 P.M.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 1113 – 1 Street East, Bow Island on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. A private burial to follow at the Bow Island Cemetery. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website www.southlandfuneral.com. 

Those who are unable to attend and wish to view the funeral mass online may do so by visiting Johanna’s obituary page on our website and clicking on the livestream link that will be available at 12:45 P.M. on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. Barring any technical difficulties, the livestream will begin at 1:00 P.M.

Johanna is survived by her children John (Bernie) Van Ham, Karel (Betty) Van Ham, Ria Welbourne, Joanne (Gordon) Hopkins, Adrian (Anita) Van Ham, Kelly (Judy) Van Ham, Carla (Bruce) Robertson, Annalise Van Ham (Dave Robertson) and LeeAnne (Brian) Tedder; nineteen grandchildren, thirty seven great grandchildren and one great great grandchild, as well as two sisters, two sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband Frank in 2015 after sixty seven years of marriage, and  granddaughter Elise Krooshoop.

Born April 16, 1926 in Zundert, Noord Brabant, the Netherlands, Johanna was the eldest daughter of Carolus and Johanna Roelands, sister to three brothers and five younger sisters. Johanna met Franciscus “Frank” Van Ham, while working as a nanny in her uncle’s home. Her uncle was married to dad’s sister and his visits became more frequent after mom started there. Their bond grew over many evening card games with family and the two were married in 1948. They farmed near Zundert while welcoming nine children into their home. Together, in the spring of 1967, they embarked on their greatest adventure, moving their family to start farming near Bow Island. They had never travelled beyond overnight bicycle trips or family day trips to the Dutch seashore. On the farm, they enjoyed the help of family and neighbours as they leaned on their strong faith and hard work together to succeed. At home mom was a loving, tireless and masterful homemaker, especially in the kitchen, garden or at her sewing machine. She also supported her community and was recently recognized for fifty years of service as a member of the Catholic Women’s League.

From a young age, mom served others. She shared her boundless energy and skills and always displayed a kind heart. Johanna was particular and purposeful, doing nothing by half measures. Mom had the warmest smile and a quick wit. She loved family and cherished the trips she and dad made to visit family, whether near or in the Netherlands. To her final days, mom enjoyed the company of visitors, especially with a little one on her knee, over a book, song or story.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Johanna’s name may be made directly to St. Michael’s Catholic Church, PO Box 56, Bow Island, Alberta T0K 0G0 or to the Pleasant View Lodge, Bag 6700, Bow Island, Alberta T0K 0G0.