Elizabeth Hofman

November 30, 1919 to February 12, 2010

ELISABETH (BETS) HOFMAN of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Hendrik (Henk) Willem Hofman, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Friday, Feb. 12, 2010, at the age of 90. She was surrounded by her family.

Elisabeth was born in Hellendorn, the Netherlands, to Johannes and Elsje Poelakker. When she was 15, she met the love of her life, Henk Hofman. Henk and Bets were married on June 19, 1942. In April of 1953 they immigrated to Canada with 4 young daughters. They first settled in Lethbridge, Alberta and a son joined the family. They then moved to Hamilton, Ontario but the call of the west was too strong and they returned to Lethbridge one year later. One more daughter joined the family.

Mom was always one to keep busy. She loved knitting and sewing. All the girls could be seen in matching dresses sewn with much love by their mother. Babies and Barbie dolls enjoyed wonderful knitted fashion for years. Mom also loved to travel. She returned to Holland 13 times to visit family. She also travelled to Australia, New Zealand, Alaska and Hawaii, where she snorkeled for the first time at age 75. She enjoyed many other activities like gardening, canning, biking, 5-pin bowling and carpet bowling. Elisabeth was involved in the Ladies Auxiliary at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, the Klompen (Wooden shoes) Dancers, the Dutch Choir and the St. Andrews Church Choir. She lived her life to the fullest and with much joy. She always had a smile for everyone!

Elisabeth is survived by her 6 children. Elsie (Ted) Dykstra of St. Albert, Alberta, Gerrie (Ken) Morrison of High River, Alberta, Verna (Harry) Vandersteen of Taber, Alberta, Jo-Anne Hegi of Lethbridge, Will (Nancy) Hofman of Lethbridge, and Betty (Al) Slomp of Nobleford, Alberta; 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Elisabeth was predeceased by her parents, a son Wim (1943-1946), her husband Henk in 1974, a son-in-law Murray Koetse in 1986, and a great-granddaughter, Ashley Hegi-Ronald, in 2009.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Thursday, February 18, 2010 between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 - 4 Street South, Lethbridge.

A celebration and remembrance of Elisabeth's life will be held on Friday, February 19, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH, 4717 - 24 Ave. So., Lethbridge. Interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery.