November 8, 1936 – June 23, 2023
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of the greatest wife, mother, Oma and Great Oma. Jenneke Vanderburgh (nee Brouwers) passed away peacefully with family by her side on June 23rd, 2023.
Jennie was born on November 8th, 1936, in Veenendaal, Netherlands. She lived through World War II, and remembered having to share a single egg with her seven brothers for breakfast. She immigrated to Canada in June 1954 with her family, where she had plans to work as a nanny. On her first Sunday in Canada, she attended a church service where she met the love of her life. Pieter Vanderburgh had also just emigrated from The Netherlands and was working on a local beet farm. The two quickly fell in love and were married on April 5th, 1957. Jennie and Pieter had just celebrated their 66th Wedding Anniversary.
Jennie and Pieter built a life together in Calgary, Alberta, where they had Willy (Bryan), Sandy (Tanya), and Kelly (Connie). Jennie and Pieter moved to Olds, Alberta in 1977 to operate the Sportsmans Inn Motel for the next two decades.
Jennie was heavily involved in the community, primarily in the Olds Legions Ladies Auxiliary. She had countless friends, and it was common knowledge that if you went anywhere in Olds with Jennie you would be stopping every few minutes while she chatted with another “old friend”.
Jennie had a passion for gardening, cooking, hosting friends and playing cards, but
nothing compared to the love she had for her family. In addition to her children, Jennie is survived by six grandchildren; Kelsy (Kyle), Kayla (Mike), Aeden (Kyra), Emily, Jenna, and Riley; as well as four greatgrandchildren, Avery, Ashton, Addison and Blakely.
Jennie was predeceased by her parents Andries and Adriana Brouwers, her brother Willem (Bill) Brouwers, and her two infant sisters. Her surviving brothers are Frans, Teunis, Andries, Martinus, Johann and Ronald.
As per Jennie’s request, there will be no funeral service. Donations, if desired, can be made to the Olds Hospital where she was tirelessly cared for.
