Obituary of Elisabeth Catharina Maria Janssens

September 10, 1922 - Tilburg, Netherlands

December 31, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

 

It is with great sadness that we announce Elisabeth (Betty) C. Janssens (nee Rijken) passed away at the age of 102 years in her home, Newport Harbour Care Centre, surrounded by family and caregivers.

 

Elisabeth was born September 10, 1922, in Tilburg, NL. In 1945 she married Case Janssens, and they had three children: Adrian C. Janssens, Wally [Gale] Janssens, and Maria [Wayne] Hannah.

 

The family immigrated to Canada and arrived in Quebec on August 1, 1954. After arriving, the family learned about the Calgary Stampede and decided to travel by train to make Calgary their home.

 

Elisabeth raised three children, worked retail at Woodward's, The Wooden Shoe Bakery, and did bookkeeping for her husband’s contracting business. Also, she cleaned homes and businesses in the evening.

 

In 1971 Elisabeth and Case purchased a lot in Rushmere, BC, and started a family gathering place. They built a cabin, entertained their friends, and hosted many wonderful events. Today it is maintained in their honour.

 

Elisabeth sang in the St. Mary’s Cathedral Choir, St. Anthony’s Choir, and Canadian Martyrs Choir. She was a founding member of the Dutch Canadian Choir of Calgary in 1972.

 

Elisabeth’s hobbies included cooking, sewing, and singing. She also enjoyed walking and playing cards. She was a devoted Catholic. Family was very important to her and she loved seeing her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

 

She helped sew almost 100 Volendam costumes in her rumpus room at home for the choir. Her greatest joy was hosting family and friends and always made you feel welcome.

 

She promoted her Dutch heritage through her singing and dancing. She participated in the 1000 Voice 1988 Winter Olympic Choir at the opening ceremonies. These were things that she was very honoured by and proud of.

 

For Elisabeth’s 80th birthday, the six grandchildren reflected on their memories of her. Some keywords and memories included the following: generous, great cook, had a great smile, road trips to the cabin were always informative, always had candy, loved to knit and sew, and had a great fun personality with words such as “Yoohoo!” and “Snookems”.

 

Elisabeth was predeceased by her husband, Case (1989), her parents, her two brothers and two sisters, and various relatives in the Netherlands. She was also predeceased by her grandson, David Fischer (2016).

 

Elisabeth is survived by five grandchildren: Trina (Cathy) Janssens, Adrian (Nadia) Janssens, Kevin (Shannon) Fischer, and Margaret and Michael Janssens, and four great-grandchildren: Brandon and Riley Fischer, and Paulina and Victoria Janssens, as well as, nieces and nephews in the Netherlands.

 

There will be a private Celebration of Life at a later date.

 

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14^th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca, or the Canadian Celiac Association, Suite 204, 5170 Dixie Road, Mississauga ON L4W 1E3  Telephone: (1-800) 363-7296. 

 

Thank you to the staff at New Port Harbour for loving and caring for Elisabeth over the 10 years she called home.

 

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Elisabeth’s family here.

 

In living memory of Elisabeth Janssens, 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: 403-299-0100.