It is with sorrow we announce the passing away of our dearly beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother Elske Van Essen of Picture Butte, on Saturday, August 8, 2020 at the age of 94 years.

Elske was born in Wijk en Aalburg, the Netherlands on October 19, 1925 and immigrated to Canada in 1969 with her husband and 8 children. They settled in the Picture Butte area where she resided until her passing.  The last year of her life was at the Bethesda Care Home.

Elske is survived by her children Wendy (Gerrit) Bakker, Gerrit Van Essen, Andy (Rhonda) Van Essen, Evert (Edith) Van Essen, Wilma (Kees) Oskam, Henk Van Essen, Lourens (Peggy) Van Essen and Elske (Fred) von Hardenberg, as well as 41 grandchildren and 61 great grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband Hendrick; daughter in law Tina; grandson Edwin; two brothers and numerous sisters and brothers in law.

A Private family service will be held at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, August 12, 2020, at the NETHERLANDS REFORMED CHURCH OF PICTURE BUTTE, 601-3A Street, Picture Butte, Alberta. A private family interment will follow in the Memorial Cemetery in Picture Butte, Reverend E.C. Adams officiating.

Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Bethesda Care Home (Box 1096, Picture Butte, AB T0K 1V0).