“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