1928 ~ HEERKENS ~ 2012

Johanna Heerkens, beloved wife of the late Martin Heerkens, passed away on Monday, December 3rd, 2012 at the age of 84 years with her loving family by her side. Johanna leaves to cherish her memory eight children, Joanne (Herb), Anita, Theo (Shirley), all of Medicine Hat, Martin of Bow Island, Lucy (Glen), Angela (Rob), Francine, and Mirian, all of Medicine Hat; eleven grandchildren, Barry (Jenn), Stephanie, Brice (Dawn), Wayne, Justin, Sarah, Chantea, Erica, Blair, Cole, Tanner; and one step grandson, Shawn; two great-granddaughters, Taylor and Gabi; one step great-grandson, Shane; three sisters and two brothers all from Holland; six sisters-in-law, two from Ontario and four from Holland); two brothers-in-law (one from Ontario and one from Holland); as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Johanna was predeceased by her loving husband, Martin; her parents from Holland; four brothers (two from Ontario and two from Holland); two sisters (one from Ontario and one from Holland); and one step great-granddaughter, Cale. Johanna was born on October 18th, 1928 in Veghel, Netherlands. She immigrated to Canada in 1960. Johanna married Martin Heerkens on January 26th, 1960 in Mariaheidi. Together they returned to Canada settling in Drumheller for awhile and then to Bow Island in 1965. Together Johanna and Martin worked side by side as custodians of the St. Michael’s School and raising their eight children. Johanna enjoyed baking bread, gardening, and spending time with her children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren. She also enjoyed playing cards with her friends. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, #1 Dunmore Road SE, on Thursday from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated in ST. MICHAEL’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1113 – 1st Street SE, Bow Island, on Friday, December 7th, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with Father Long Vu, celebrant. Interment will take place in the Roman Catholic Section at Hillside Cemetery. Memorial gifts in Johanna’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 102 – 1865 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 1Z8, or to the Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation, #124, 430 – 6th Avenue SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 2S8. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or www.gonebutnotforgotten.ca or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Johanna Heerkens. Radio funeral announcement can be heard on Thursday around 12:35 p.m. on 93.7 Praise FM. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM, “The Chapel in the Park”, locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599