It is with great sorrow that we announce that Hendrika Neil of Lethbridge, AB, beloved wife of the late Claude Neil. Hennie passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on June 5, 2009, at the age of 85 years. She bravely endured a short battle with cancer at the Palliative Unit at St. Michael's Health Centre.

Hennie was born in Monarch, AB on December 29, 1923, where she attended school and Church. At age six, she and her mother traveled by ship to Holland to visit family. Hennie worked on farms around Southern Alberta, and then at a paper factory in Powell River until she and Claude could be married after his WWII service. They lived in Coaldale, Taber, Bow Island, and Hardieville while raising their children. Hennie was a wonderful homemaker, gardener, cook, and she enjoyed visiting and playing crib with family and friends. Camping, fishing, family reunions, and picnics were favorite memories. Claude and Hennie were proud members of the Pemmican Dance Club.

Hennie was predeceased by her parents, Hugo and Pietje Hooft, her husband Claude in 1991, their sons David and Kenneth (Elaine), her brothers, Pete (Ingetta) Hooft and Corsye (Dorothy) Hooft, her sister, Tana (Ernie) Savident, and son-in-law Doug Danforth. She is mourned by her son, Dwain (Lilli) Neil; and daughters, Ella Danforth, Cindy (Jim) Brau, Betty Neil, and Connie (Tom) McDonald; 16 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren; as well as several relatives and friends. Her sharp wit and humour, strength, and generous spirit will be missed by all.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 7:00pm and 9:00pm on Tuesday, June 9, 2009, at MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 - 4 St., S., Lethbridge, Alberta.

A Celebration of Hennie's Life will be held at 1:00pm on Wednesday, June 10, 2009, at MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 - 4 St., S., Lethbridge, Alberta, with Reverend Elizabeth Brown officiating. Cremation will follow.