February 2, 1931 – June 11, 2022
Alida Maria Koning was born in 1931 in Berkhout, Holland and was the eldest of 13. In 1954, she immigrated to Canada with two of her brothers and settled in Calgary, AB.
In 1956 she met her husband John Van Brunschot and together had a family of nine children, four boys and five girls. Alice was a very practical and pragmatic woman, resourceful and never complained. She quickly and happily accepted all the wonders and challenges of her life and was dedicated to her role as a mother, wife, and sister. She always managed to keep up with her family in Holland, and her many devoted friends. Alice always looked for the best in others and never judged anyone, and made everyone who walked in the door feel at home. She found great joy in the little things and she was happy and content living a simple and humble life.
Alice is survived by her husband, John; all of their children, Jim & Erin Van Brunschot, Mary & Jon Wright, Paul Van Brunschot & Caroline Coler, Dan & Christy Van Brunschot, Zan Van Brunschot & Dean Gordon, Carol Van Brunschot & Marlon McDougall, Irene & John Ruthven, Jeff & Suzanne Van Brunschot, and Dina & Roberto Stimilo; her brothers and sisters, Annie Dekker, Gerry Koning, Gita Van Paassen, Atie de Visser, Henk Koning, and Mara Moeijes; brother and sisters-in-law both in Holland and Canada. “Tante Ali” had many brothers and sisters in law, cousins, nieces and nephews, whom all hold her dear in their hearts. Alice was also “Oma” to 15 grandchildren, Giorgia, Paige, Jesse, Cheyanne, Jade, Brenan, Kaitlyn, Jackie, Mitchell, Taylor, Sam, Jude, Blair, Logan, and Dante, as well as two great grandchildren, Theo and Audrey. Alice is predeceased by her father and mother, Martje and Hendrik Koning; her brothers, Nico, and Ton; and sisters, Anneke, Bep, Mariann, and Vera.
A Memorial Service will be held at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church (4302 57 Ave, Olds, AB) on Saturday, July 16, 2022, at 12:30 pm followed by a light lunch. A Private Family Gathering will be held at a later date for spreading her ashes.
We would like to thank all the wonderful staff at the Olds Hospital for the many times that Alice has been in their care off and on over the last few years.
