Obituary of Johanna Christina Van Der Voet

 

October 6, 1923 – Utrecht, The Netherlands

April 8, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

 

Peppi van der Voet of Calgary, AB, passed away on Saturday, April 8, 2023 at the age of 99 years.

 

Peppi was born in Utrecht, the Netherlands, the youngest of five children and grew up in The Hague. The Second World War was a very stressful time for her with the loss of her parents and the dispersal of her siblings.

 

She emigrated to Canada with her older sister and family in 1951, starting a new life in Wetaskiwin, AB, before moving to Edmonton. It was there where she met her future husband, Gijsbert (“Gus”). Married in March 1956, the couple settled in Calgary.

 

She was a loving and proud mother to her two sons, Adrian Frank (AliceAn) and Adrian Paul.  The untimely death of Paul devastated Peppi. The arrival of her grandchildren Theo Paul, Evie Johanna and Hugo Adrian helped to revitalize her.

 

Peppi was a long-time member of the Calgary Oil Wives where she was introduced to curling and golf, activities which she enjoyed for so much of her life. She made many friends along the way.  

 

Peppi was a natural artist. She was always knitting and created many unique creations from sweaters to finger puppets, to outfits for toys, such as teddy bears and Barbie dolls. As her sons grew up and moved out of the house, Peppi took up oil painting. She spent many an afternoon painting landscapes of the foothills and floral still lifes. She immersed herself in the images she created. Later she took up tole painting. If that was not enough, she was also an exceptional needlepoint artist. Her last artistic exploration was in the art of calligraphy, creating beautiful cards for family and friends. She participated in many art shows and competitions including the Calgary Stampede.

 

Peppi also had a strong sense of volunteerism. She was active with what was then called the Women’s Auxiliary of the Providence Child Development Centre. She was also very busy with the Rocky View General Hospital where she worked at the library and gift shop. She was proud of the fact that she never had to use a cash register to calculate the change due for purchases.

 

Peppi was stylish and elegant without being ostentatious. Her iconic hairstyle was a trademark, along with her mock turtlenecks always paired with a unique necklace.

 

Peppi was proud of her Dutch heritage, which she happily kept up over her long life.  Trips to the Netherlands to be with family were important to her. As recently as a year ago, she spoke wistfully of making a last trip overseas. She would prepare an amazing rijsttafel for special occasions or a simple, but equally delicious, boerenkool casserole on bone-chillingly cold days. To her last day, Peppi was content with her coffee and speculaas cookie. 

 

Peppi was a loving and devoted wife, proud and supportive mother, mother-in-law, oma and aunt. Slight in stature, her influence on us, her family, remains large. She will be fondly remembered forever.

 

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Brenda Strafford Foundation for seniors programs or a local charity of your choice.