It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our dear daughter and sister, Brittany Lynn Van Hierden, on Friday, February 13, 2026. After a hard-fought battle with cancer, Brittany passed into the presence of her Savior at the age of 36 years.

Brittany was born on May 5, 1989, to Rick and Tracey, their third child and only daughter. She grew up on the Van Hierden family dairy farm just outside of Fort Macleod. For the first 6 ½ years of her life, “Babes” was the “apple of her Daddy’s eye” until Rick suddenly passed away in 1996. 

Brittany went to elementary school in Fort Macleod and, in 2007, graduated from Immanuel Christian High School. She attended Lethbridge College, where she earned her Criminal Justice diploma, and then made a career turn into nursing, receiving her LPN designation at Lethbridge College in 2016. With policing still her number one career choice, she was accepted at the RCMP academy in Regina and officially became a member of the RCMP in August 2019. Brittany served with the force in Pelican Narrows, Rose Valley, and finally in Rosthern, SK.

In 2021, Brittany was diagnosed with cervical cancer, which she faced with her characteristic courage, determination, and grace. After surgery and treatment, Brittany was back at work, but then was diagnosed with neuroendocrine cancer late in 2024. Her journey was hard, but again she bravely researched and accepted every avenue of treatment open to her until there were no more options. Lovingly cared for by her mom, with the help of her brothers Ryan and Rick, Brittany was at peace, expressing her desire to be with Jesus.

Brittany will be remembered for being exceptionally kind, gentle, and sincere, touching the lives of everyone who knew her. She loved to be around animals, be it the calves on the farm she trained to drink from a bucket, taming the barn cats, or loving her dogs, who were a big part of her life. Brittany had a gift with children, who were drawn by her beautiful smile and compassionate heart, gently connecting with kids as she served with the RCMP in sometimes challenging situations. She played the piano beautifully and was an avid runner, having completed several marathons. Brittany’s Mom Tracey, was her best friend, and she was very close to her brothers, as she farmed alongside Ryan for many years, and then chose to join Rick in serving with the RCMP, sharing her experiences with and receiving encouragement from him. She will be deeply missed by her family and all those whose lives she touched in beautiful ways.

While going through treatments, Brittany fought hard, often expressing her desire to return to work even in the later stages of her illness. She maintained her optimism and perseverance throughout and always remained positive, hoping she could go to work soon. Over this past Christmas, the family enjoyed some of Brittany’s last good moments. Brittany assisted around the house with cooking, cleaning up, and doing way too much instead of resting. This was the way she was, and 

Brittany often did too much and went above what was expected. Brittany continued to stay busy and tried new hobbies to keep herself busy, and never stopped trying to learn something new.

Besides her mom, Tracey, and brothers Ryan and Rick (and his partner Kelly), Brittany is survived by her grandpa Mike Degenstein and many aunts, uncles, and cousins, to whom she was very special. Besides her dad, Rick, she was predeceased by her grandma, Patricia Degenstein, Opa (Hendrik), and Oma (Jenny) Van Hierden.

Condolences will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Monday, February 23, 2026, at the University Drive Alliance Church - 55 Columbia Blvd W, Lethbridge, Alberta.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the University Drive Alliance Church.

Interment will follow at the Fort Macleod Union Cemetery – 3050 9th Avenue, Fort Macleod, Alberta.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to may direct memorial donations to the RCMP Benevolent Fund at npf-fpn.com/donate/

Keep smiling, Brittany... we love you so much!

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore for the former things have passed away ... Behold, am making all things new." Rev. 21:4-5