The LORD is my Shepherd; I shall not want. Psalm 23:1

With sadness, and yet with deep gratefulness for her life, the family of Betty Van Esveld share that she passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 16, 2025, two weeks after her 92nd birthday.

Gijsje was born December 31, 1932, in Otterlo, the Netherlands to Bartje Van Omme (Kampert) and Gerrit van Omme, the second of six children. She and her fiancé Gert Jan immigrated to Canada and were married in May 1954. They bought their farm between Monarch and Nobleford in 1963 and farmed and lived there for almost fifty years. In December 2016, Betty and Gert Jan moved to Park Meadows Village and lived there together until he passed away in 2019. Betty continued to reside there until her passing.

Betty enjoyed a love-filled childhood in the Netherlands with her parents, siblings, relatives, and neighbours. She was brave in coming to Canada, beginning a completely new life here with her new husband. In their early years in Canada, both wrote many letters to family in the Netherlands, and received many in return. Later they appreciated the ability to have long phone conversations as well. Betty embraced life in Canada enthusiastically, learning English and making life-long friends as she and Gert Jan raised six daughters. Betty helped Gert Jan with all types of farm work. Having things clean and tidy both inside and outside the home was very important. Betty enjoyed visiting and hosting family and friends, as well as reading, jigsaw puzzles and word searches. Betty and Gert Jan were adventurous - they travelled, learned to downhill ski, and much more. Betty’s time at Park Meadows was her opportunity for rest. Betty’s mind remained sharp until the very end; she showed interest and remembered details about her grand and great grandchildren, as she did about the lives of staff and other residents at Park Meadows. She was always ready for a conversation about what was going on with them, and in the world. Betty cared. She will be dearly missed.

Betty leaves behind her daughters and their spouses Jane and Peter Klok, Barb Van Esveld, Rita and Clarence Halma, Grace and Patrick Hickson, Jackie and Bill Oudshoorn, and Anita and Henry Oudshoorn, as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Betty is survived by her sister Dirkje vanden Heuvel, sisters-in-law Willie, Marie, and Hennie Van Omme, and Gert Jan’s brothers and sister-in-law Gerrit, Bill, and Gerda Van Esveld.

She was predeceased by her husband Gert Jan, brothers Gies, Dirk, Gert, and Gerrit Van Omme; brother-in-law Aalt vanden Heuvel; Gert Jan’s siblings and their spouses Driekus and Hennie, Gerard and Weimtje, and Bep Van Esveld, Jannie and Henk Boekhout, and Truitje and Reijer Groeneveld; grand and great-grandchildren Henry, Kaven, and Emersyn, as well as many dear friends over the years.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am, on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at the BETHEL FREE REFORMED CHURCH OF MONARCH, 314 Eastman Avenue PO Box 10 Monarch, Alberta, with Pastor Jeff Overduin, officiating. The service will be livestreamed at https://web.sermonaudio.com/broadcasters/bethelfrc

A private family Interment will be held prior at the Monarch Cemetery.