Elske Folkinga of Edson, Alberta, passed away March 20th, at the Edson Continuing Care Centre. She was born in Franeker, Friesland, in the Netherlands in 1919, coming to Edson Ab., Canada in 1951 with her husband and 4 children. Two more children were born here in Edson.
Els enjoyed travelling to many places throughout Canada, the United States and around the world. She visited Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Yemen, Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands. In the United States she visited Texas, Nevada, Louisiana, Mississippi and Hawaii.
Mom was an expert seamstress and sewed her last dress for her grandson’s wedding at age 92. Her beautiful needlework adorns the homes of so many family and friends. She always looked ahead and was so determined to overcome life’s challenges. She loved stimulating conversations on politics and religion and took pride in keeping up with current affairs worldwide.
She is survived by her children Peter Folkinga, Rinske Schalm (Ed), Tina Berry (Shawn), Jack Folkinga (Charlene), and Charles Folkinga (Heather). Fifteen grandchildren and twenty-two great grandchildren knew her as “Oma” and “Super Oma.”
Els is pre-deceased by her husband Jack Folkinga, her daughter Jikki Folkinga, and daughter in law Linda Folkinga. She is also pre-deceased by all 5 of her younger siblings; Willem van Gunst, Saakje Lubbers, Hendrik van Gunst, Joop Nolkamper and Wil van den Born.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Edson Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements. Memorial Donations in memory of Els can be made to the Furniture Fund at the new Parkland Lodge.
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