Obituary of Ingrid Antonia Van Driel

April 17, 1937 – Munster, Germany 
November 5, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Ingrid Van Driel, beloved wife of Arie Van Driel of Calgary, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 5, 2023 at the age of 86 years.

Ingrid’s warm personality and family values led her to a life full of love for her family and the creation of many wonderful friendships that she so cherished. As a teenager she moved from Germany to Canada to start a new life with her family and settled in the Niagara Region of Ontario. Leaving all of her childhood friends was not easy but soon she met people who were in a similar situation as herself. She nurtured many friendships through the German-Canadian clubs in the region. Ingrid always had a great flare for style and design early in her life which guided her towards a career in hairdressing. Not only was she a natural in this field but she also demonstrated strong management and business skills. This combination led her to manage a highly successful salon for decades in St. Catharines, Ontario. At this location she had no less than three family members join her and several other staff all working together to make the business successful. Once officially retired she continued to style clients hair in her home on a part time basis simply because her clients wanted her to continue to do their hair. When not working and managing her family, Ingrid’s passion was decorating her home. She also enjoyed listening to her German music and enjoyed dancing polkas with her brothers when the opportunity arose. She loved entertaining friends and family. Christmas was her most special time of the year. Ultimately what she really enjoyed was watching all ten of her grandchildren as well as her several great-grand children grow up.  

Ingrid is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Arie; son and daughter-in-law, Rudy and Sharon Kovats; daughter and son-in-law Ingrid and Bill Laurin; daughter and son-in-law Ruth and Louie Godin; son and daughter-in-law David and Julia Van Driel; her two brothers Klaus and Godfried Gorges; as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her brothers Franz and Dieter Gorges.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB) on Friday, November 17, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. Reception to follow in the Upper Level at the Funeral Home. Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. Van Driel’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 may be shared and viewed with Ingrid’s family here.

In living memory of Ingrid Van Driel, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

Click Here to View Ingrid Van Driel's Memorial Card

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