Bea van Haarst

It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of Bea van Haarst at the age of 59 years. Our sweet Bea will be missed by so many: her beloved husband Johan of 38 years, her dear mother Diny Kappert (the Netherlands), her children Niels (Amber), Jos (Jocelyn), Kim (Keith), Marlies (Darren), Maaike (Todd), Tom (Rachel) and her grandchildren Jack and Emma. Bea also leaves behind her siblings in the Netherlands; brother Henk (Betsy), sister Rita (Herman) and many nieces and nephews that she was so very fond of. She was predeceased by her father Gerard and her brother Albert. She also leaves behind many friends in the Netherlands; but just as many friends in the Granum, Coaldale and Taber area, who were so dear to her heart and have been such a pillar for us to lean on already.

Our mom was born in the Netherlands, in 1960. She always told us she had an awesome youth – filled with friends and family. She worked several jobs throughout the years; but ultimately became a midwife and delivered many babies in the area – and left a special place in many hearts. Mom married our dad Johan in 1981. They had many blessings and were blessed with 6 children. They also experienced many hardships; as mom lost her brother Albert, a premature baby son, and her father Gerhard within a couple of years.  

She however remained full of life and personality, and loved having people around her. In 1998, the whole family – mom, dad and 6 children moved to Taber, Alberta. After living there for almost a year; a chance arose to buy a farm in Granum, Alberta – where we have lived since.

Her real calling was fulfilled when she became a grandmother – first Jack and then Emma’s ‘Oma’. Her face would light up when talking about them.

Mom often missed her ‘homeland’ and her family; and had many visitors over the years. She was so good in recreating the ‘Gezelligheid’ that turns a house into a home. Nothing was ever too much for our mom - she had no problem housing over 20 visitors at once - and nobody went without being fed. She also really loved visiting with her ‘Canadian’ friends and family and going to markets, and hosting birthday parties and get-togethers. She felt welcomed and always made everyone feel welcome.

She will be so dearly missed.

A funeral service will be held on at 1:00 P.M. on March 18, 2019 at the Granum Christian Reformed Church (along Highway 519) with Pastor Henry Veldboom officiating.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bea van Haarst, please visit our floral store.