Johanna Van Thiel

Funeral service for the late Johanna Van Thiel, R.K. MacDonald Nursing Home, Antigonish, was held May 27 in St. Ninian Cathedral, with Father Donald MacGillivray officiating. Burial was in St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Cemetery, Brook Village. Mrs. Van Thiel died May 22, 2019, at the home. Born in Nistelrode, Holland, she was a daughter of the late Johannes and Hendrieke (van Dyke) Jansen. She and her husband, Francis, immigrated to Canada via Pier 21 in 1952. They lived in Mabou for five years, working at St. Joseph’s Convent. Her fondest memories are raising her seven daughters on the dairy farm in Brook Village. Following Francis’s passing in 1974, the family moved to Antigonish. Her faith was her guide in her decision-making. At 53, she obtained her driver’s license and employment in the food industry. Upon retirement, she delighted in her coffee/tea parties with card-playing among friends. She enjoyed bowling, knitting, gardening, water exercises and making homemade soup. She loved her travel to Holland and ‘out west’ to visit family. Her wisdom, insight, and positivity will be a beacon for all of us who encountered her, especially her compassion for visiting the sick. She is survived by six daughters, Rita (André) Lalancette, Lower Sackville; Johanna Ward, Strathlorne; Jeannie (Rod) Beitel, Calgary; Trish Braun (Doug), Dartmouth; Maria (Rick) Derbyshire, Calgary; Joanne Crawford (Bill), Antigonish; 14 grandchildren, Dana, Sheri, Adrian, Stephen, Ashley, Erica, Cassandra, Brittnee, Courtney, Greg, Scott, Stephanie, Megan, Matthew; six great-grandchildren, Faith, Sofia, Eli, Kenzie, Everly, Wes; numerous nieces and nephews. She was pedeceased by her husband, Francis; daughter, Rina; two sons-in-law, Robert and Johnie. Memorial donations may be made to St. John the Baptist Cemetery Fund or St. Ninian CWL. Online condolences: www.clcurry.com