In Loving Memory of

Masje Van Drunen

(Maiden: de Haan)
of Sherwood Park
Nov 27, 2024

Our Dear Sweetheart Masje.

Masje was born in Dordrecht, The Netherlands. She grew up during trying times. WW1, the Spanish Flu, the Great Depression, and eventually WWII. She finished school in Dordrecht, The Netherlands, and held several clerical jobs until her marriage in July 1942. The invasion of the Netherlands in 1940 proved a stressful 5 year stretch until the Liberation by Canadian Forces in 1945. Both her and her husband Jacob (Jaap/Jack), were involved in the Dutch resistance.

Surviving the war, she and Jaap had two children; Paul Willem ('43) and Adeline ('46). Masje acted as a single parent for two years (46-48) while her husband served with the Dutch military in the former colonies, now Indonesia. After this stressful period and the rebuilding of The Netherlands, a more regular life started as a military family.

The birth of two more boys, Jan Jaap ('53-'55), and Erik Jan ("57) provided for more challenges. The Cold war as a military wife gave the family many more anxious times.

Her and Jaap, upon his retirement from The Royal Dutch Airforce, emigrated to Canada. Their oldest son Paul and their cousin Leo van Huuksloot had previously settled in Edmonton, Alberta, Masje, Jaap and Erik followed in July 1970. Canada provided a safe, stress-free home and the Canadian Rockies as a breath of fresh air. New Canadian friends were made and helped settle the family into becoming Canadian.

Children grew older and grandchildren were added to the mix. Masje loved all the little ones. Many moves followed where Masje was able to make each place a cozy home. Her moves included Kelowna, B.C, where son Paul helped the seniors enjoy a few years in house and at Sandalwood Retirement Resort.

Upon the unfortunate passing of her husband Jaap in 2006 and her son Paul 2008, Masje moved back to the Edmonton area, where she spent 15 more years aging gracefully with son Erik and family. The passing of her daughter Adeline in 2018 in The Netherlands was another loss and tough for Masje.

After stays in Summerwood Village and Shepherd Care in Millwoods, Masje was welcomed by the incredible care family at Sherwood Care LTC in Sherwood Park. Her stay was from 2022-2024. Masje was surrounded by her loving family, as her beautiful soul left to continue her journey.

The family has been blessed to have Masje or Oma, as their mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. We are also grateful for the amazing, loving care provided by the staff at Sherwood Care. She will be missed by so many that shared her infinite gift of love. Masje would refer to all as her sweethearts, angels, or schatjes (treasures).

At 107, Masje is predeceased by her husband, Jacob (Jaap); sister, Paula de Kort; brother, Jaap de Haan. Also predeceased by her sons, Jan Jaap Van Drunen, Paul Van Drunen; and daughter, Adeline van Helten.

Masje leaves behind her loving son Erik Van Drunen (Wendy), and their children Jenny Van Drunen (Chris) , Laura Sundell (Jeff), Mark Van Drunen (Jaclyn); daughter-in-law, Josephine Van Drunen and her children Philip Van Drunen (Agnes), Tanya Van Drunen, Steven Van Drunen (Tara); son-in-law Peter van Helten and his children Menno van Helten (Shama) and Robbert van Helten; 17 great grandchildren, Grace, Emma, Henley, Mason, Charlie, Blake, Ellie, Avery, Matthew, Ashley, Braedon, Hunter, Zak, Owen, Nina, Stan, and Anna. She will also be missed by many beloved nieces, nephews and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled for February 2, 2025, her birthday weekend, in Sherwood Park, at a venue to be announced. It will be an informal occassion for family and friends, to share friendship and memories of our "Oma Masje."

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sherwood Care in Sherwood Park. Please donate directly to Sherwood Care (not the Grand Parade) in the name of Masje Van Drunen.

Arrangements Entrusted to Foster & McGarvey Edmonton South.