ELLY MIDDELKOOP

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ELLY MIDDELKOOP Peacefully in the early evening hours of January 4, 2008, Elly Middelkoop passed away into the arms of God. She was surrounded during her death, as she was in her life, by the love of her family. She will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by all, especially the love of her life, her husband Kees. Also cherishing her memory are her children Louise (Ron), Petra (Peter), Wilma (Dave), Rob (Sharon), Esther (Michael) and her grandchildren respectively Ryan and Kevin, Amber (Shaun) and Lindsay, Josh and Brittany, Chris and Kyle, Jonaus and Noah, and great-grandson Paul. Also remembering her with special affection is her extended family in the Netherlands including Theo and Ineke Middelkoop and family. Elly was a strong woman who was born in Slochteren, the Netherlands on March 6, 1928. She was born to Pietronella and Hindrik Doornbos, the second of four siblings (survived by two sisters). In the Netherlands, she met her soulmate, Kees Middelkoop and they were married on April 20, 1952. Together in almost 57 years of marriage, their life was full of love for each other, their children, grandchildren, extended family and many wonderful friends. In 1956, with two young children and two more on the way, Elly and Kees set off on a journey that shaped all of us. Their journey brought them to Winnipeg, Canada where they raised their family. They retired to Vancouver Island in 1991, living initially in Duncan and moving to Victoria in 1997. In Victoria, Elly became an avid lawn bowler and was active as a volunteer in the St. Andrew Presbyterian church helping with breakfasts and other activities. She continued her traditions of hosting wonderful gatherings with family and friends, and enjoyed many trips around the world with her husband Kees. Elly always loved being with family and friends, playing cards, the board game and enjoying the company of all. With a strong spirit, a love for laughter and a quick wit, she added joy to the lives of everyone she met. She has left us with many beautiful memories and a family full of love. The family would like to extend their sincerest thanks to Dr. Ross McKay, and the wonderful nurses at Victoria General Hospital, who cared so compassionately for our mother in her final days. A celebration of Elly's life will be held on Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 924 Douglas Street, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada (corner of Douglas and Courtney). In lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 09, 2008