Prins – It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our loving wife, mother, and Oma, Gerarda (Arda) Prins on October 20th, 2022 at the age of 85 years. Besides her loving husband Joe, Arda is survived by her four children, Claudia (Colin), Nico (Shelly), Janette (Mark), John (Nicki), her seven grandchildren, Jordyn, Daniel, Toby, Paxton, Rhett, Sadie, Avery, and her brother, Nick Slootweg. Arda was born August 4th, 1937 in Hazerzwoude Dorp, the Netherlands, where she spent her childhood and young adult years. Arda trained and practiced nursing in the Netherlands for a short period before coming to Canada in 1963 at the age of 25. Arda continued her nursing career during which time she met and subsequently married Joe Prins on April 4th, 1965 in Brooks, Alberta. Together in Brooks, they carved out a new life and started a family. Although parenting four active children was a full-time job, Arda also supported Joe in his furniture, auction, and other business ventures. Whether dealing with customers, keeping track of every item, buyer, seller, and purchase, or bookkeeping, Arda did so meticulously with the utmost of poise and a ready smile. Arda was tireless and selfless, always putting others before herself. It was only in her post retirement years that she finally found time for herself. Many have witnessed her daily morning walks, pounding out a strong, steady, and happy pace around the lake and paths near their home. Arda’s green thumb also enabled many to enjoy the flowers and plants in her home. Love and friendship, joy and laughter, and an enduring strength of spirit are all part of Arda’s legacy which lives on in her family and in all those who knew and loved her. She will be forever dearly missed. A Funeral service will be held to celebrate her life at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, October 26th at the Brooks Alliance Church (304 Cassils Rd E, Brooks, AB T1R 1B8), with Rev. David Bradford as officiating. Interment at Brooks Cemetery. In memory of Arda, if family or friends desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, 710-10123 99 St. NW Edmonton, AB T5J 3H1.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM
BROOKS, ALBERTA
Condolences may be forwarded through www.sfh.ca
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