SMEDING, Arnolda

SMEDING

Psalm 27 – “The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear?”

The Lord, in His infinite wisdom, took our dear Nolda home to spend eternity with Him November 13 2021.

ARNOLDA VANDERBEEK SMEDING was born in Vuren, The Netherlands and educated in Dubbel Dam, South Holland. In 1951, she immigrated to Canada with two brothers Bert and Tony. They arrived in Quebec and endured a four day sitting only train ride to Lethbridge, AB. She found work in Waterton and later in Lethbridge. She met her husband, John at church and they got married in 1952. Their work took them to many places in the USA and they were constantly on the move. They went on several disaster relief missions, where she was the chief cook. In 1960, they adopted their son Ed and she treasured her new role as a mother.

They were globetrotters and she continued to travel with friends after she became a widow. Her son passed away in 1990. It was devastating for Nolda but she never became bitter. She always had a loving, welcoming heart for everyone she met. Nolda was very, very hospitable and she had a servant heart. She was a devout member of Trinity Reformed Church in Lethbridge. Church attendance was very important to her. She was proud to be its oldest member. Nolda had a great love for all animals, especially dogs and cats. She always owned one until moving to Legacy Lodge, but was thrilled when a friend brought her dogs in for a visit.

Nolda is lovingly remembered by her brother Tony VanderBeek of Lethbridge, AB and sisters: Joan Antonides of Penticton, BC and Nettie Westra of Edmonton AB, sister-in-law Frances VanderBeek of Lethbridge AB, as well as several nieces, nephews and dear friends.

She was predeceased by her husband John Smeding in 1985, son Edward in 1990, her parents Jan and Everdina Spiering VanderBeek, brothers Bert VanderBeek and Joe VanderBeek, sister-in-law Ann VanderBeek, and brothers-in-law John Antonides and Lloyd Westra.

She lived a full & thankful life & never complained. She passed away very peacefully in her home with the background music of Amazing Grace as she entered into her Saviour’s arms!

Nolda will be laid to rest with her husband John prior to the service.

A Memorial Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, November 19, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Tom Albaugh officiating. Due to COVID restrictions, attendance is limited. Kindly RSVP your attendance to Cornerstone at 403-381-7777 or care@cornerstonefh.ca

In lieu of flowers and in memory of Nolda, donations may be made to the Canadian Bible Society (biblesociety.ca/donate).

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