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Willemtje (Wilma) (nee: Elzen) Brandsema

February 16, 2007

 December 3, 1924 - February 16, 2007

 Our dear wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord, surrounded by her family on February 16, 2007. Wilma is survived by Henry, her loving and devoted husband of nearly sixty years, her daughter-in-law Wilma Brandsema, son: Ben (Julie) Brandsema, daughters; Trudy (Bill) Bouwman, Freda (Clarence) Reitsema and Maria (Mike) Brouwer, 16 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her oldest son, Henry and three grandchildren; Wilhemina Bouwman, Lisa Brandsema, and Yolanda Bouwman.

Wilma was born in Mussel, Holland and there married her childhood sweetheart, Henry on September 3, 1947. They immigrated to Canada in March 1953 and settled in Edmonton, Alberta where they began to raise their family and started farming. Their deep faith and desire to provide Christian education for their children, led them to move to Abbotsford, British Columbia in 1960 so that the children could attend Christian school. Through the many difficult early years when money was scarce and times were hard, Wilma never complained. She was selflessly and tirelessly devoted to her husband and children and would sacrifice whatever was necessary to provide for them. She instilled her love for her Lord in her children and has been a remarkable Christian witness to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, many friends and relatives. She will be greatly missed by all the lives which she touched.

The Brandsema family would like to extend our deep appreciation to Dr. VanWyk and the nursing staff at Chilliwack General Hospital who so lovingly and compassionately cared for ‘Mom’ during the last days of her life. As well, heartfelt appreciation goes to pastor Hans Overduin who visited numerous times each day as ‘Mom’ lay in hospital, always giving encouragement and pastoral care to the family. A memorial service will be held at the Free Reformed Church, 45471 Yale Road, Chilliwack, B.C. on Thursday, February 22, 2007 at 1:00p.m. with refreshments to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association. Arrangements in care of McLean’s Funeral Services Ltd.



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