De Jong – Anne de Jong was born on February 13, 1932 in Holland and was the third oldest of 10 children. She grew up on a dairy farm and had to work hard starting at a young age. She milked cows, took care of her younger siblings and cleaned houses both at home and for other people. Although she loved to learn, she was forced to leave school at age 11 due to the war. Anne learned her generosity for others less fortunate than her, from her parents who took in refugees during the flooding of Holland and after the bombing of Rotterdam. She often recalled how they hid Jewish families in their home and the fear of being caught. Anne began dating Ted after he returned from a three-year army stint in Indonesia. They married on February 9, 1954 and immigrated to Canada two weeks later. They worked for various farmers in southern Alberta which involved hard work and learning Canadian customs while trying to grasp the English language. Their eldest child, Marianne, was born in 1955 and they eventually had 5 more kids (3 boys and 3 girls). In 1959 they bought their farm north of Brooks. It required a lot of work, but Anne was always an active participant in farm chores. By far, her favourite task was baling hay. Between dairy farming and raising 6 kids, she was a very busy lady, but she always took time to go to church and keeping Sundays as a day of rest. After Ted died tragically in 1992, Anne continued to farm with her two sons and their families but began volunteering more than before. She was an active volunteer with the CWL for 60 years by helping with church cleaning bees, rummage sales and organizing bingos at Newbrook Lodge. She continued to make the prize trays for the bingos until one month before she died. She brought fruit to the residents in Long Term Care, delivered Meals on Wheels and when she volunteered at the Tuck Shop at the hospital, she would say, “I’ve got to go to work on Wednesday.” In 1998, Anne moved to her condo in Brooks where she lived independently until a few months ago. She was known for her devout faith, her hospitality, generosity and ability to forgive others. She loved to spend time with her family, play cards and go for walks outside. A year ago, she was able to ford her way with her walker through some rough back country at Emerson Bridge! She was famous for knitting a teddy bear for each of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Anne was predeceased by her husband, Ted in 1992, her daughter Marianne Hirose in 2023, sisters, Elizabeth, Riet and Leny and brother Govardus as well as numerous in-laws. She is survived by her three sons: John (Agnes), Tom (Patsy), Brian (Terri); two daughters: Linda Dube (Kelly) and Annette; son-in-law: Tak Hirose; 15 grandchildren, 50 great grandchildren (with 3 on the way); one sister, Sjaan (Cees); four brothers: Jan (Sjaan), Adrie (Marijke), Ton (Anka) and Sjaak (Ingeborg) and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made directly to either St. Vincent de Paul, c/o St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Box 578, Brooks, Alberta T1R 1B5 or Medicine Hat Red Cross, 398 Aberdeen St. SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 0R2. A Prayer Service will be held on Friday, April 12 at 7:00 PM from the St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Rev. Marino Infante officiating. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, April 13 at 11:00 AM from St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Rev. Marino Infante and Rev. Avinash Colaco Celebrants. A family interment to follow at Brooks Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD.
BROOKS, ALBERTA
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