Elizabeth Fopma

Obituary of Elizabeth Fopma

 

April 15, 1928 - Bergen op Zoom, Netherlands

May 26, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

 

Elizabeth (Betty) Fopma, beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, of Calgary, AB has passed away peacefully at the age of 95 years.

 

Betty was born in Bergen op Zoom, Netherlands on April 15, 1928 to Meeuwes and Maria Baaijen. She is survived by her son Arthur Fopma, his wife Sandy, and their daughters, Kelly and Leanne; daughter Mary Oranchuk, her sons Cody and Dustin, and partner Karry McKenna; son Robert Fopma; great-grandchildren, Toby, Matthew, Kaylee, Brooke and Abigail; numerous nieces and nephews in the Netherlands and many four-legged friends that she loved dearly. 

 

Betty immigrated to Canada in 1951 to join her soon-to-be husband Abraham (Abe) who had come to Canada the year before. There was no time for second guesses or cold feet as they were married in High River, AB the day after she arrived.  Despite considerable struggle and strife creating a new life in the land of opportunity, Betty and Abe enjoyed almost 30 years together before Abe’s passing at the age of 56. We are convinced that their perseverance had much to do with their three “darling” children. With Betty’s dogged determination and an always positive attitude, she forged on with her life finding joy in family and friends with her home the hub of many celebrations. She also enjoyed travelling to the “Old Country”, other European countries, Hawaii, Mexico (Puerto Vallarta in particular), the USA and parts of Canada especially Sicamous and Nelson, BC.  Her best friend Hilly DeJong was a frequent travelling companion both home and abroad with almost daily driving (until age 88) trips around Calgary and area. Their “adventures” have become legendary. 

 

Betty had many wonderful qualities which left a mark on everyone who came into contact with her. She was extremely generous with her time and resources, contributing to many charities throughout her lifetime and helping her four grandchildren.  She also gave the gift of time making deliveries for Meals on Wheels and spending countless hours supporting her daughter Mary as a single mother doing household chores, making meals and caring for her grandsons. Betty had a great sense of gratitude giving thanks to the nth degree for even seemingly insignificant gestures of kindness. We think her picture should be next to the word gratitude in the dictionary.  Remember the dictionary? 

 

If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Center at 710, 10123 – 99th Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3H1 Telephone: 1 (866) 412-4222, albertacancer.ca/in-memory, the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories at 10531 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton AB T5H 4K1.  Tel: (1-866) 950-5465, Alzheimer.ca or the Calgary Humane Society at 4455 – 110th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2C 2T7, Telephone: (403) 205-4455, calgaryhumane.ca which were all near and dear to her heart. 

 

The family wishes to thank everyone who provided care and support to Betty including her friends and the staff at the Manor Village Huntington Hills, the wonderful nurses and caregivers from Home Care and most especially the dedicated and caring team of professionals and caregivers at the Brentwood Care Centre where she resided at the time of her death.

 

Betty touched many lives and will be forever in our hearts and memories.  We know she is looking down on us with that infectious smile.

 

At Betty’s request there will be no formal service. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

 

In living memory of Elizabeth Fopma, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Heritage, 1708 – 16th Avenue NW, Calgary, AB, T2M 0L7, Telephone: 403-243-8200.



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