EELKJE MARKEWICZ (ALBERDA)

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EELKJE MARKEWICZ (nee ALBERDA) On Wednesday, October 8, 2003, at the Convalescent Nursing Home of Winnipeg, Eelkje passed away at the age of 81. She was predeceased by her parents, Hein and Alberdina; and her husband Joseph. Eelkje was born in The Netherlands in 1922. She met her husband Joseph Markewicz at the end of war and they were married in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands on December 21, 1945. He was repatriated to Canada immediately afterwards. Like many war brides, Eelkje followed several months later, taking a ship and then train to Winnipeg, arriving in May 1946, where she was reunited with Joseph. Eelkje was devoted to her husband Joseph, who predeceased her in 1994, and she lovingly raised her family of Ronald, Frances, Joseph and Alan in the Weston area of Winnipeg. She gave the same attention to their spouses, Dianne, Raymond and Valerie. Eelkje saw the birth and raising of seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Dutch traditions were very special to her, especially the celebration of birthdays. She enjoyed the close friendship of the other Dutch girls in the neighbourhood. She is survived by her sister Piet, brother-in-law Albert, her brother Bert, sister-in-law Helene Kalisz, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews. She was a member of the Sparling United Church and was very active with their Womens Group. As part of that group, and her circle of friends in the Weston area, she actively enjoyed bicycling, playing cards and spending weekends at the family cottage at Gimli. Throughout the years she enjoyed travelling around Canada and visiting Europe. Eelkje was active in the Militia, being a member of the Canadian Womens Army Corps (CWAC) serving in the Ordnance Corps. When the Ordnance Corps was amalgamated, she remained an active member of the 17 (Winnipeg) Service Battalion until her retirement as a Staff Sergeant. After her retirement from the Militia she joined the Royal Winnipeg Rifles Cadet Corps as a Cadet Instructor officer. She was a member for many years of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch No. 4. The family would like to thank the Convalescent Home and its staff for their compassionate care of mom and their help to the family while a resident of the home. The family also thanks the caring companions who helped her on a daily basis. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 14 at 12:30 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. The family asks that any donations be made to their favourite charity. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 14, 2003