Elisabeth Hendrika Johanna (née Koopmanschap) van Hengstum
October 10th, 1929 – February 28, 2025
Elisabeth Hendrika Johanna (née Koopmanschap) van Hengstum was born on October 10th, 1929, in Bussum, North Holland, Netherlands. She was one of five siblings and experienced a lot of turmoil in her life, including being born during the Great Depression and at the age of 10, the start of World War II which lasted a long five years. After the war, as a young woman, she worked in housekeeping and did laundry for families in town. This gave her the passion for cleaning and folding laundry. When Elisabeth wasn't working, she loved to read and dance, and when she met Petrus van Hengstum, she was star-struck with him, and they went dancing many times. Before the couple were to be married, Petrus left for Aruba to chauffeur for an oil executive, so they married in a unique way - in Holland Petrus’ brother stood in for him while he was away - Elisabeth then followed Petrus to Aruba where they had their Catholic Church wedding. She only lived there for a short period of time, learning quickly that she disliked scorpions, a lot! With some hope they boarded a boat to New York planning to stay in the U.S., but they were sent to Canada instead, first going to Hamilton, ON. This is where she became a mother and started her family by having her first son, Peter. A little while later she had two more sons, John and Walter. With the hope of farming they moved to Wainfleet, ON and got an acreage and with that came their final child, a daughter, Elisabeth who was nicknamed Liz. In the many years that followed Elisabeth went through many hardships as she lost her husband Peter (1982) while in her early fifties, helped care for two grandchildren from one of her son's, and many other little things throughout the years. But she was resilient and never backed down from anything as she had God by her side. Elisabeth also had many passions, like attending Mass, car rides, Lawrence Welk, Anne of Green Gables, reading, embroidery and sewing amongst others. Elisabeth was a motherly figure and considered the “Oma” to everyone. When Liz got married to Henk - they all lived together in Wainfleet and were very fond of the extended family life. She kept busy with Liz and Henk's four children in her last 25 years. She was very healthy her whole life and only battled dementia for the last 9 years. A remarkable woman has gone to meet her Saviour. She is deeply missed by her children: PETER (GuoQin), JOHN (Annette), WALTER (Judy), and ELISABETH (Henk); and grandchildren: Peter Jr., Maria, Mark, Tina, Annette, John, Melissa, Henry, Steven, Gregory, Brian, Jacqueline, Jessica, James, Lisa, Rebekah, Nathan and David. Oma was also a great-grandma and on top of that a great-great-grandma as well! Elisabeth’s favourite quotes- “I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” -- “I don’t know what lies around the bend, but I’m going to believe that the best does.” L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables. The Funeral Mass was offered at Holy Guardian Angels Roman Catholic Church, Englefeld, SK, on Friday, February 28, 2025, at 10:00 am, celebrated by Fr. Lawrence DeMong, OSB. Others who participated were Irene Gabriel and Alice Radoux, scripture readers; Regina Laybourne, intentions; Rebekah van der Wilt, eulogist; and Holy Guardian Angels Parish Choir with organists - Manny Lefebvre and Sandra Athmer, music ministry. Active pallbearers were Richard Moellenbeck, Vincent Moellenbeck, Nathan van der Wilt, David van der Wilt, and Henk van der Wilt, with all Elisabeth’s Grandchildren as honorary pallbearers. The memorial luncheon was held at Holy Guardian Angels Church Basement and inurnment will be held at a later date in Ontario. Memorial donations in Elisabeth’s memory may be directed to Holy Guardian Angels Roman Catholic Church Fund (PO Box 26, Englefeld, SK, S0K 1N0).
This Notice Is Courtesy Of
Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral & Cremation Services - Humboldt, Saskatchewan
(306-682-4114)