van DAM, Edna Ann
(Hengstler)
It is with great sadness that we announce the passsing of our wife and mother on Monday, December 27, 2021 after a 6 year fight with multiple myeloma at the age of 71 years.
She will be forever remembered by her husband Vance of 47 years; sons Trent, Collin and wife Debbie; daughter Deanna; brother Grant Hengstler and sister in law Sandy (Frank, Paul & Sue); sister in law Grace Hengstler (Tina, Julie & Ken); sister in law Laurine Suntjens (Tracy & Clint); cousins Eldon Hammer & Grace Little; as well as other numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors.
Edna was born November 14, 1950 in Innisfail to parents Frank (1898-1965) & Pia (1915-1958) and raised east of Bowden with her older brothers Tony and Grant. After her mother’s passing, Edna was raised by her uncle and aunt, Alfred and Amelia, her mother’s sister. She grew up like a sister to her cousins Lorraine, Eldon and Grace. Edna left school after Grade 10 and started work at the old Didsbury Hospital where she made many lifelong friends. During this time her travels to Montreal and Italy were fond memories. Then in 1973 Edna was set up on a blind date with her future husband Vance at Oktoberfest in the Stampede Corral. They married June 8, 1974.
After a brief time in Calgary, Vance and Edna bought a shoe store in Claresholm and started their family. In 1989, after buying an insurance agency they moved to Didsbury. Edna was happy to be closer to all her relatives. Edna enjoyed their summer vacations to Radium for the past 33 years.
Vance and Edna enjoyed many trips with friends and family to places like Hawaii, Las Vegas, Florida, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand and several trips to Alaska. After retirement in 2005, they became snowbirds in Mesa, Arizona. Her last memorable trip was in 2015 to China with her daughter Deanna and cousin Sharon Dyer.
Edna was predeceased by her parents Frank and Pia Hengstler; brother Tony Hengstler; uncle and aunt, Alfred and Amelia Hammer; mother in law Agnes van Dam; cousin Lorraine Hammer-Hofmann.
Edna was a wonderful cook and baker. A warm welcome with food and drink were guaranteed to anyone who came to visit. With her friendly demeanor, Edna left an impression on everyone she met. She will be sadly missed by all who were fortunate to know her.
We are grateful to Dr. Tay and all the staff at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre as well as the Olds Hospital staff for their kindness, caring and support.
At Edna’s request, there will be no funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be directed to multiplemyeloma.ca and the Cochrane and Area Humane Society, 62 Griffin Industrial Point, Cochrane, AB, T4C 0A3.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Edna Ann van Dam December 27th 2021..
Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services
Death notice for the town of: Airdrie, Province: Alberta