SCHAAP – Violet May (Bender) Schaap, beloved wife of the late Howard Schaap passed away peacefully at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary on July 24, 2015 surrounded by her loved ones. An exceptional and faithful mother, she is survived and will be remembered by her caring and attentive children Gordon (Pam), Cheryl (Trent) and Rick (Debbie). Also left to carry on her legacy are grandchildren Scott Lea, Leah Hiscock, Aaron Hiscock, Jared Lea and Caleb Lea. Her brother Bob and his wife Kathy are grateful for her example, influence and support and will miss the monthly lunch dates. She will be missed by aunt’s Helen Bender and Marion Bender, nieces Rhonda, Roxanne, Shannon, Shelley, Sandy, Darlene and Linda and numerous cousins. She was predeceased by her much loved parents, Andrew Bender in 1949 and Josephine (Nelson) Bender in 1988. Violet was born in Rosemary, Alberta on October 9, 1942 and following a one and one half year stay moved to a farm which her parents purchased in the Millicent district, arriving on April 1, 1944 in the aftermath of a torrential rainstorm. Following the death of her beloved father in 1949 she moved to the village of Millicent where her mother had obtained employment at Charlton’s General Store, remaining there until her mother relocated the family to Brooks in 1957. Violet had a deep and lasting attachment to the village of Millicent and surrounding area and enjoyed returning often to rekindle childhood memories. Violet attended high school in Brooks and in the fall of 1960 moved temporarily to Medicine Hat to attend Garbutt’s Business College. Upon graduation she would return to Brooks where she would spend the remainder of her life. Violet was employed for several years at the Royal Bank of Canada and went on to opportunities at the Brooks Hospital, Kentucky Fried Chicken and finished her working life in the day care sector. She particularly enjoyed her time with the Nakamura family at KFC. In retirement she traveled extensively with Howard including several trips to Hawaii, to the Dominican Republic, a church mission to China and numerous adventures throughout North America. In the late 1990’s she discovered golf and derived much enjoyment from chasing the little white ball. The focus of her attention was her family and she showered them with love and affection. Her grandchildren would experience and will remember the unique and personalized activities that she planned and executed. The happiness and well being of her children was always foremost in her mind. She enjoyed her four years at the Newbrook Lodge among friendly and caring staff and fellow residents. Like her beloved mother Josephine, Violet was a compassionate and caring individual who spent many hours in the service of not only family and friends but also of strangers who had fallen on difficult times. We will miss her daily presence in our lives but take comfort in the knowledge that she is now reunited with her beloved parents, grandparents and others of previous generations who preceded her and that in the Lord’s time we shall again look upon her face and share with her the joys of eternity. In early childhood mom developed a deep and abiding testimony of and faith in our Lord and Savior. As her children we are so grateful that through her example we now share her understanding. Funeral services were held on Saturday August 1, 2015 at 1:00 pm from the Victory Christian Church in brooks, Alberta. Pastor Jordon Fuller officiating. Interment followed at Brooks Cemetery. In memory of Violet, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, Room 124, Professional Building, 430 – 6th Avenue S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta t1a 2s8. Funeral arrangements in care of Smith Funeral Home and Crematorium, Brooks, Alberta. Condolences may be made through www.sfh.ca telephone 403-362-4636 or toll free (866) 362-4652.
