Obituary of Anna MOENS

May 28, 1928 - Amsterdam, Holland

July 28, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Anna Moens, beloved wife of Frans Moens of Calgary, AB passed away on Tuesday, July 28, 2020 at the age of 92 years.

She was born Anna Dekema in Amsterdam, Holland to Piet and Jacoba W. (nee Vankins) on Monday, May 28, 1928. Anna was born the third of four children and the only girl. This made her rather tough as she had to be quick to keep up with the boys as they played through the streets of her beloved Amsterdam. Those memories of her playing in the streets of Amsterdam were truly where Anna's heart felt most at home. Although keeping up with the boys was one thing, Anna was still very much the girl of the bunch. Of the stories she told to her three children, she would reminisce about when she was a young girl, she could "cry wolf" from two rooms over to get her brothers in trouble and giggle mischievously.

Anna met Frans in the late 40's. Going dancing was their favorite activity. Often they would be at the dance hall until the wee hours of the morning, despite still having to wake up early to get to work the next day. Unfortunately, their courtship was interrupted for over two years as Frans served with the Dutch military in Indonesia. Anna waited patiently and after his return from far away lands; they were finally wed on October 25, 1952. In 1954, Anna and Frans immigrated to Canada by ship. Making lifelong friends with another Dutch couple they met while traveling across the ocean. Poor Anna was seasick the entire trip. Their first stop was Winnipeg, where early in 1955, they welcomed their first child, Norbert. They soon moved to Edmonton and lived there for fourteen years, making precious and lifelong friends along the way. They also welcomed daughter Bridget in 1956, and youngest son Romain in 1965. The family eventually moved to Calgary in 1970, as part of a relocation through Shell Oil, where Frans worked as a draftsman until his retirement. Once again they made many cherished friendships in Calgary.

Anna's love for playing in the streets was an attitude that remained with her for life. She took great pleasure in people watching, soaking in all the sights and surroundings, enjoying the energy, and relishing in the hustle and bustle of the street. A favorite expression of hers was, "Today, I'm going to beat the street", then off she went, to one of her favourite area's in town, be it Kensington, Inglewood, Marda Loop or up and down Stephen Avenue. In and out of her favorite shops she would go. Greetings of "Anna, how are you?" or "Mrs. Moens, where have you been?", were heard the moment she walked through the door. Everyone there knew her and she knew everyone there.

Beat the streets she did. Even into her 80's, Anna would take her walker across the street to take the #2 bus downtown. Sometimes she stayed out rather late. Sometimes even after dark. Much to the chagrin of her daughter Bridget, who had been ringing Anna's phone at ten minute intervals since dinnertime. Shuffling through the shops and visiting with "her people" was not Anna's only joy. She would gladly go out for a nice prime rib dinner, chocolates and sweet pastries were an anytime treat. She was more than pleased with a daytrip in the car with Frans to Banff,  or to lose herself in knitting or crocheting. A little spin, dancing around the kitchen was sure to make her laugh. She welcomed a nice foot rub (a dollar an hour). She loved many styles of music and art. Anna grew particularly fond of some of the art created by the First Nations People of Canada. She also cherished visiting with friends with time spent together chatting, laughing and possibly enjoying a sip of Advocaat.

Anna had an appreciation for gemstones and jewelry. From her days as a young woman working for a goldsmith in Holland, she could spot high quality stones and fine craftsmanship at a glance. Anna also had a real eye for fashion. She definitely carried a European sense of style about her, and would dress quite elegant and sophisticated. Other times she may decide to wear very bold colours or something with a crazy or unique pattern. Any style she chose to wear, classy or funky, Anna always wore it well.

Perhaps Anna's greatest joy was her family. She very much enjoyed any family gatherings. Time spent with the little one's, who she always had a treat for. She especially enjoyed the holiday's, Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and birthdays. It was fun times when the family was dressed up and looking good. Tasty food and drink was shared with warm relations, along with lots of hugs and laughter.

"Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by doing so some people have entertained angels without knowing it."

Anna is survived by her devoted sons, Norbert (grandson, Darcy) and Romain (grandson, Julian); and Bridget's loving children Jennifer (Brydon) Gierl, Dustin (Keltie) Work and Sarah-Dawn Winn. She also leaves behind her endeared great-grandchildren, Case, Taylor, Jon, Adrian, Quinn, Zoe, Heath, Amber, Connor, Avery and Declan.

Anna was predeceased by her husband of 46 years, Frans in 2000, as well as her daughter and best friend Bridget in 2018.

Love and hugs to Troy, Jackie, Brad and Colin for their patience and support.

Memorial Service will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB), on Thursday, August 6, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. A reception to follow in the Hospitality Center of the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Anna’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Anna Moens, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.