Obituary of Sjoerdje KOOPMANS-STOTT (nee Schouwstra)

December 30, 1926 – Haarlem, Netherlands
February 16, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Shirley Koopmans-Stott of Calgary, AB, passed away on Sunday, February 16, 2020 at the age of 93 years.

Shirley was born in Haarlem, Netherlands, on December 30, 1926.

She and her husband, Sjoerd (George) immigrated to Canada with their three children in the spring of 1958. At the time of their journey Shirley was expecting her fourth child, John (Johnny) William. Johnny used to always say he was “Made in Holland, but born in Canada”. After disembarking ship in Montreal, the family took a three-day train trip to their new home in Calgary, AB.

Shirley was employed in the restaurant business as a cook and as a private housekeeper. Shirley and her sister-in-law, Dieny Hak, also worked for many years for the Christian Brothers as both cooks and housekeepers. Shirley was a long-time member of First Alliance Church until her illness prevented further attendance. She enjoyed various activities with her fellow parishioners. She loved to golf, play cards particularly, canasta, and to attend aqua fit classes.

Shirley and George enjoyed vacationing and were especially fond of camping with their trailer.

Shirley is survived by her son, Hans (Karen) Koopmans, and her daughter Ann Cartwright, both of Calgary, AB; her six grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren, all of whom live in Alberta and British Columbia.

Shirley is also survived by her younger sisters, Annie Scholten and Willie Drenth, both of Amsterdam, NL; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends in both Canada and the Netherlands.

Shirley was predeceased by her husband George in February of 1986. At the time of George’s passing, they had been married for forty years. Sadly, Shirley was also predeceased by her son, Johnny Koopmans, of Crystal City, MB, her daughter, Regina (Jean) Davidson of Calgary, AB; her grandson James Davidson of Calgary, AB, her son-in-law Brian Cartwright of Calgary, AB; and most recently by her great-grandson, Shane Johnson of Calgary, AB.

Shirley was also predeceased by her parents, Deborah Johanna (nee Kuilder) and Sjoerd Schouwstra of the Netherlands as well as her three older sisters, Hiske Vaandering, Aafke Vedder and Wiek Van Willes, all of the Netherlands as well as a brother who died in infancy.

Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, February 26, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.  Graveside Service to follow at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens (24223 Township Rd 242, Calgary, AB).  Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Shirley’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

If friends so desire, the family requests memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Administrative Office, 10531 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton AB T5H 4K1.  Tel: (1-866) 950-5465, www.alzheimer.ab.ca., or to the charity of your choice.

In living memory of Shirley Stott , a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD SE, CALGARY, Ab, T2X 3J3,  Telephone: 403- 256-9575.