Obituary of Petronella Jannette Smulders

June 8, 1931 -Amersfoort, The Netherlands

August 9, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Petronella Smulders of Calgary, AB, passed away on Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at the age of 91 years.

Nel was born in Amersfoort, The Netherlands on June 8, 1931. In the quiet of the evening, she passed on, having had the opportunity to say goodbye to her family. Nel died as she lived on her own terms. Life was not always easy, but she made the best of every situation, right till the end.

Nel spent her childhood in the Netherlands during WW2. She would regale her family with stories always excluding the hard parts. Her stories were filled with adventures of wooden shoes, bikes with wooden tires and hijinks with her best friend, Tiny.

Nel married Jos Smulders and immigrated to Canada in 1952, crossing the Atlantic in a twin propeller plane, landing in Montreal. They continued westward by train, marvelling at the great expanse of the prairies. They settled in Edmonton, Alberta and soon afterward started a family. Nel took pride in her ability to care for her family. She learned to speak English, garden, sew clothes, knit sweaters, and bake a mean chiffon cake. Nel had a great sense of humour till the end. She loved to laugh at a good joke and play tricks with a straight face. One of her favourite things to do was play scrabble with her family. She was fiercely competitive at scrabble, unmatched for many years. Nel was skilled in later years at making up some wild words. To this day everyone in the family loves a good game. Later in life Nel took up fibre arts, winning many ribbons and awards for her work.

She loved the outdoors, swimming, camping, hiking, riding her bike and sitting in her amazing garden. Nel and Jos hiked the west coast trail and drove their beloved VW bus across Canada. Nel, spent many hours at the south YMCA, where she taught swimming and aquafit. She led a small group in aquafit at the Glenmore Garden apartments until 2019.

The most enduring legacy Nel leaves is the compassion, fairness, and creativity she taught her children. Her gifts will live on in future generations.

Mom, you made a difference in the world, and you will be deeply missed.

Nel is survived by her four children, Rob and Evonne Smulders of Black Diamond,  Len Smulders and Shelley Allen of  Calgary,    Marlene Smulders of Qualicum Beach, BC; and Jeff and Mary-Ann Smulders of  Calgary; her seven grandchildren, Amy Smulders and Ian Webb of Millarville, Jessie Smulders and Andrew Fisher of Okotoks, Aisha Smulders and Teal Tainio of Calgary, Josh and Tracy Lynn Smulders of Calgary, Maeghan Smulders and Olivier Beaulieu of Montreal, Rebecca and Drew Hanrahan of Okotoks, Jennifer Smulders and Cris Howgate of Okotoks; her six great-grandchildren, Owen, Violet, Jude, Sawyer, Bennett and Beckam, sister, Ineke Peterse in The Netherlands; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Nel was predeceased by her husband Jos, and her brother Nicholas van Wieringen.

As per Nel’s wishes no formal services will be held.  Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Petronella Smulders, 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.