TAMS, Alida

ALIDA (ALICE) TAMS NEE VAN SPRONSEN 1932 – 2022 The Lord in His infinite wisdom and perfect timing called Alice Tams of Coaldale, beloved wife of the late Hank Tams into Glory early Christmas morning at the age of 90 years.
Mom was born on August 5, 1932, to Jozef and Hilletje Van Spronsen in Schoonhoven, Netherlands, the oldest of 9 children. Her siblings remember her fondly as being a caring, tender yet firm (and maybe Bossy) older sister.
Mom moved to Canada with her family in 1951 and settled in the Coaldale area. There she caught the eye of Hank, who, after seeing her for the first time announced, “I am going to marry you”. Mom claims she was angry at him for being so bold, but Hank loved a challenge and although he lost as many as he won, Alice was by far his biggest win! They married on September 13, 1953 and were blessed with 68 years of marriage. They first settled in Milk River followed by a move to Edmonton where for a time they raised the 5 children the Lord blessed them with. In 1973 Mom and Dad moved the family to Coaldale.
Though being a Mom always came first in Moms callings, she also helped in many business endeavors with Dad and her kids. She also spent time as a teacher’s aide. Mom was a gentle caring soul and serving others was in her blood – she was concerned about her guests till the end. Anyone who knows her will attest to that!
Mom truly loved her Lord. She fully understood and taught her family of His grace and His love towards herself and others. Her witness was in her loving actions and her accepting, forgiving nature.
Mom also loved a good laugh. She laughed often. She loved to clip out funny sayings and cute comics to share and also collected a never-ending supply of hints and tips for every area of life.
Despite all the ups and downs, the sicknesses and setbacks, Mom enjoyed a good life with Hank and her kids and all of her family as well as the many friends they met over the years. Mom often spoke of how blessed she was.
Mom is survived by her 5 children, Harry (Maria), Joe (Betty), Ed (Margaret), Glenn (Rose) and Yvonne (Fritz) Douma; 24 grandchildren and (and spouses); and 60 great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Kees (Joanne) Van Spronsen and sisters Ria (Case) Van Vliet and Hilda (Lloyd) Bredenhof; in laws John and Dorothy Tams, Rika Hoogerdijk, Diet Van Spronsen, Maria and George Van Bostelen, Fritz and Betty Tams, Ella and Dave Cameron, Richard Veldkamp, Gerda Tams, Sadie Van Spronsen and Ieke Van Spronsen.
She was predeceased by her husband Hank; 5 brothers, Bernard, Henry, Joe, Bill and Pete; as well as in laws Klaas and Hilda Tams, Grace and Jack Voorhorst, Amie Veldkamp, Jake Tams, Joan and Douwe Postma, Roelof Tams and Dick Hoogerdijk. Mom was also predeceased by her grandson Scott Turner and great grandson Kees Struik.
A Viewing will be held from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A private family Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 29, 2022 at Coaldale Cemetery.
Mom’s Memorial Service will follow at 12:00 pm at TRINITY UNITED REFORMED CHURCH, 1100 40 Ave N, Lethbridge, Alberta. Please stay for a reception/lunch after the service. Our Mom wouldn’t want it any other way.
Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.