Obituary of Louise Westra

April 28, 1931 – Rotterdam, The Netherlands
January 3, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

Louise Westra, beloved wife of the late Robert Westra of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, January 3, 2022 at the age of 90 years.

Louise was born in Rotterdam and grew up in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, daughter of Pieter and Johannas Hazelzet. Louise and Robert married in 1953. They spent many years in a number of unique locations such as Indonesia, Las Palmas, and finally Bahrain before immigrating to Canada in 1967. Other than the years 1980-83 during which time Robert and Louise lived in Libya, they spent the rest of their time in Calgary.

Louise received her Bachelor of Arts, Honours in French in 1974 and her Masters of Arts, Department of Romance Studies, specializing in French in 1980, both from the University of Calgary. She enjoyed teaching French Literature at the University of Calgary, and later at the University of Tripoli, Libya.

Louise had many hobbies including French language, music, yoga, and family. She had a particular passion and affinity for teaching extending beyond her university teaching career. Upon her and Robert’s return to Canada in 1983, she spent years as a volunteer, teaching reading skills and reading to students in the French Immersion programs at several elementary schools. Louise was also an early adopter of fitness and yoga, teaching yoga from home years before yoga became popular.

Robert and Louise together raised five children and enjoyed spending time with the family, including now fourteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Robert and Louise also loved spending time at Columbia Lake, a very special place that continues to be cherished by the whole family. They travelled extensively throughout their lives and had many adventures and stories to tell. Louise will be sorely missed for her extensive photographic collection of family and travels, her seemingly endless production of knitted hats/mitts/scarves/sweaters, and her unwavering devotion to family.

Louise is survived by four sons and daughters-in-law and their children, Igor and Samantha Westra of Wilmington, North Carolina; Allard Westra and Niamh O’Shea of Vancouver; Arne and Alisa Westra of Lethbridge; Menno Westra and Diza Veiga of Calgary and Manaus, Brazil; and her daughter and son-in-law and their children, Yolande Westra and Bob Staples of Grande Prairie.

Louise is also survived by her cousin Sari Fennema of Mount Hope, Ontario, her niece Joke (Janus) and nephew Pim (Daphne) Westra and their children of The Netherlands; and her niece Myra Rauchbaar (Rita) of Curacao; and her extra special nephew Paul Rauchbaar (Jolies) of Calgary. Louise was predeceased by her husband of 68 years, Robert in October 2021, and her sister Ellie Soetens-Hazelzet in 1983.

An extra special thank you is extended to Drs. Jill Teschke and Connie Ellis for their excellent and compassionate care, to the nurses and care givers from Ohana Care who became like family, and to the Palliative Care nurses who guided Louise and family through the last weeks.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB), on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Those attending will be asked to provide valid government identification (with name and date of birth) AND confirm one of the following: (A)Provincial vaccine record with QR code (paper or digital); OR (B)negative COVID test (within 72 hours); or (C)valid medical exemption (signed letter); OR (D)under 12 years of age. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. Westra’s service streamed live (see below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted. Condolences, memories and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Louise Westra, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.

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