“Small in stature, but large in heart and grace.”
Peacefully, on December 22, 2023, at the age of 97. Born in the Netherlands on November 22, 1926. Predeceased by her dear and loving husband of 54 years, Larry (Lau).
Els is survived by her children, Marianne (Gerard), Bert (Cynthia), Carla, Elizabeth (Dave), and John (Elise). Loving Oma to Anne (Chris), David, and Elizabeth; Richard (Adriana), Bryan (Samantha), and Heather (Michael); Ian and Christina (John); and Daniel, as well as nine great-grand children.
She is the last of her generation, predeceased by eight siblings, and will be missed by relatives in the Netherlands and many other family and friends. Els started her pediatric nursing career in the Netherlands, Switzerland, and Scotland, and continued nursing when she immigrated to Canada. This led to a lifelong commitment of caring for others. She was a very involved parishioner at St. Veronica’s Church, including the Catholic Women’s League. Els shared and taught her Dutch traditions, cooking, baking, sewing, knitting and many other skills with her family; sewing each of her three daughters’ wedding gowns was especially meaningful.
A very special thanks to all the personnel who provided loving care and kindness to her at the Manoir Beaconsfield.
Visitation will take place on Thursday, December 28th at J.J. Cardinal Funeral Home, 560 Lakeshore Dr., Dorval from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m.
The funeral will be held at St. Veronica’s Parish, 1300 Carson, Dorval on Friday, December 29th at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in Els’ memory to Sun Youth (https://www.imakeanonlinedonation.org/jeunesseausoleil-sunyouth/MEMORIAM/) or a charity of your choice.
RÉSIDENCE FUNÉRAIRE J.J. CARDINAL FUNERAL HOME
560 ch. Bord du Lac, Dorval (Québec) H9S 2B3
Tél. : 514-631-1511 | Téléc. : 514-631-1516 | Courriel : info@jjcardinal.ca
3 Comments
My deepest condolences Carla and Family in the loss of your Mother. I have fond memories of her from our Dorval days on Clement Avenue. . A beautiful, kind , and loving woman. May your memories get you through this hard time . RIP Mrs. Kerkhoven.
On behalf of my mother,Claire Waguespack and myself,I would like to express my deepest condolences to the Kerkhoven family on the passing of their mother.
I have fond memories of Mrs Kerkhoven when she was the costume designer for John XXIII’s production of the Wizard of Oz in 1979[I was Munchkin]as she was a sweet funny lady and I thought it was cool that she was the mother of my late brother Michael’s best friend John.
My mother always enjoyed her chats with Mrs Kerkhoven when they would bump into each other in the Dorval Shopping center and needless to say ‘The Shops’ won’t be the same.
So sad to learn that Els/Mrs. Kerkhoven left this world. I have known her daughter Carla since I was 2-3 years old when we’d play together on Clement and all through school until graduation. We’ve seen each other since at church, high school reunions and when our Mom’s lived at the same residences. My heart goes out to Carla and her family. I came to know Mrs. Kerkhoven as Els later in life and found her always to be sweet, kind, thoughtful and positive, with a beautiful smile! I know her beautiful spirit lives on in Carla and her family. Big hugs…
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