ELISABETH AKKERMAN KUPERUS

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ELISABETH AKKERMAN KUPERUS Elisabeth Akkerman Kuperus peacefully passed away surrounded by her family at the age of 98 at the Golden Door Geriatric Centre July 12, 2015. Oma was predeceased by her beloved husband John, daughter Elisabeth, son John and granddaughter Jennifer Dennehy. She will be missed by her daughters, Bea, Niki (David), son Paul (Starla), eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and her dear sisters, Im and Annie and many relatives in Holland. Oma was born in the Netherlands and married her childhood sweetheart John Akkerman in 1945. They lived in Holland, Indonesia and in 1959 immigrated to Canada, where they settled down in Portage la Prairie and raised their five children. Oma's unceasing devotion to her family resonated throughout her life which she faced with courage, dedication, sacrifice and an unconditional love that almost spanned a century. Family meant everything to Oma and that ultimately included everyone she came in contact with in the world at large. She was in her element with people and walked on the sunny side of the street and needed to share that good feeling with others. Oma tried to help wherever she was needed and depended on God to show her the way. She was deeply involved in the life of the United Church, first at Trinity in Portage la Prairie and later on at the FGUC in Winnipeg. Oma aged with humour, grace and dignity and even though her body and mind showed progressive wear and tear in the last four years of life, her spirit remained resilient and that special smile that lit up her whole face was a gift of welcome to all of us whenever we visited with her. Her inner light may have dimmed but she continues to shine within each of us. A celebration of Oma's life will be held in Winnipeg at the Fort Gary United Church on 800 Point road on Saturday, August 22 at 2:00 p.m. with the Reverend Min-Goo Kang officiating. As per Oma"s wishes, cremation has taken place and in lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to a charity of your choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 18, 2015