ADRIANA ADA SULKERS (TIELEMAN)

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ADRIANA (ADA) SULKERS
(nee TIELEMAN)
December 16, 1920 - December 2, 2020

With fond and loving memories, the family sadly announces the peaceful passing of our much beloved mother, grandmother and aunt Ada Sulkers on Wednesday, December 2, 2020, at the age of 99 years; just two weeks shy of her 100th birthday.
Mom was blessed to have been able to live in her home on the farm until her very last day, enjoying good health throughout her life and passing of age-related heart failure.
She was predeceased her husband of 60 years Hermanus (Harry) Sulkers in 2005. She was also predeceased by her parents, Sybrecht and Williem Tieleman; brother Peter (Irene) Tieleman, sister Teenie (George) Dorset, and sister- and brother-in-law, Win (Mel) Bradshaw.
She will be sadly missed by her daughter Joycelyn Pele (Eric), granddaughter Caitlyn Pele (Chris McClure), nephews and nieces, Bruce Dorset, Ross Bradshaw (Marlene), Jacqueline Bradshaw (Jorn Jensen), Norma Bradshaw, their families; many dear relatives and close friends, particularly Gordon and Muriel Wholschlager and Ingrid Lux.
Ada grew up on her parent's market garden in North Kildonan and learned from a very young age the hard work it took to bring in a harvest from field to market and to the kitchen table. As a youngster she was always active and excelled at many activities, including dance, which she continued to enjoy throughout her life. Later, she became the manager of the cosmetics and jewellery department for Woolworths, before marrying Harry and becoming an invaluable support as Harry pursued his hockey career and own farming business.
One evening as a teenager her decision to tag along with her older sister Teenie to an outdoor get-together changed her life forever. She would meet her future husband Harry. With the group deciding to move the party to the Dutch Club, as they often would on a Saturday evening, there were offers by a few of the older boys to give her a ride to the club on the back of their motorcycles. She was not impressed and decided instead to accept a ride from the shy young boy in his dad's old farm truck. Things went well that evening and Harry and Ada married on October 27, 1945.
Ada was the consummate hostess. For years their home would welcome a stream of friends and relatives who drop by to be fussed over by the ever-gracious Ada. No one could leave without sitting down for tea, cookies, fresh pie or a meal no matter what time of day. While Harry entertained with colourful conversation, Ada made sure her guests left with their stomachs full and spirits high.
On weekends in the summer Ada packed up more food that the family could possibly eat as they left for Betula Lake. She just wanted to make sure she had enough to serve and feed the many friends that dropped by at the lake just as they did visiting their farm home in East St. Paul.
For years Ada travelled with Harry across the province as he played and coached hockey for several teams. While she would often go to the hockey rink she would sometimes steal next door to watch a different game that was played on ice - curling. She developed an affinity for the sport and that love affair took her with the Dorothy (Dot) McKenzie rink to three Provincial Senior Ladies Championships and to as she would put it "two bridesmaid" second place finishes at the Nationals.
In their later years, after leaving competitive curling behind, Ada and Harry took up square dancing and round dancing, where they met many new friends and acquaintances. They both were popular with this group, Harry with his good-natured "kibitzing" offset by Ada's class, grace and charm.
We will dearly miss Ada and her gracious spirit.
Our deepest thanks and appreciation to the paramedics who responded so quickly, and to the St. Boniface Emergency room physicians and nurses who treated her with such compassion and dignity in her final hours.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Harvest Manitoba (formerly Winnipeg Harvest), the Winnipeg Pet Rescue Shelter (3062 Portage Ave.) or another charity of your choice.
Considering current conditions, a private family service has been held. A celebration of Ada's life will be held at a later date when conditions allow.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 12, 2020