Tilly Biel of Lacombe, Alberta passed away January 2, 2017 at the age of 83. She spent her last years at the Royal Oak Manor.
Taapke was born April 3, 1933 in De Wilp, Netherlands. She was one of four children born to Wietse and Antje Dijkstra.
She was predeceased by her husband Albert Biel, her parents and older brother Auka and is survived by her twin sister Gees and younger sister Doutsen.
Taapke was the only member of her family to emigrate to Canada and became known as Tilly. She arrived in Canada June 8, 1951 on the ship “Scythia” which travelled from Paris, France to Montreal, Canada. She took a train to Calgary and then to Lacombe to work on a local farm. Her original intent was to follow her boyfriend and get married, but that did not materialize. So, at the young age of 18, Tilly found herself all alone in a new country with no means to go back (not that she wanted to). She eventually met Albert Biel at the Woody Nook Church and the Siebenga farm. It was not love at first sight but time changed that and they were married April 1, 1953 at the Woodynook Christian Reformed Church after the Sunday morning service.
The Biel’s were able to purchase their own farm in 1963 East of Lacombe where they raised five children and lived until their later years.
When Tilly’s health allowed, she enjoyed gardening and canning her garden produce. She loved her cats and house plants, enjoyed playing games with her kids and enjoyed sports, news and stampede wrestling on the TV. She could play her accordion and mouth harp and always showed us how to juggle balls. She loved her kids, grandchildren and great grandchildren and did her best to be hospitable to all.
Tilly is survived by her children Al (Lois) Biel, Bill (Edie) Biel, Ron (Roberta) Biel, Hilda (Dave) Dodd and Evelyn Biel; 15 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and numerous friends.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Tilly (Taapke) Biel (Dykstra) – April 3, 1933 – January 2, 2017 (age 83).source
death notice Tilly (Taapke) Biel (Dykstra) – April 3, 1933 – January 2, 2017 (age 83) – mortuary notice Tilly (Taapke) Biel (Dykstra) – April 3, 1933 – January 2, 2017 (age 83)