HOOGVELD, Elizabeth

December 30, 1930 — December 31, 2024

In the early hours of December 31, 2024, Elizabeth Hoogveld passed peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, just one day after her 94th birthday. Born in Rotterdam on December 30, 1930, Elizabeth was the eldest of seven children born to Peter and Joanna Verlaan.

Elizabeth’s remarkable life was shaped by resilience and compassion. At the age of 13, while bicycling home, she discovered a war abandoned baby, who later became her adopted sister, Anne. In October 1952, Elizabeth and her family of nine embarked on a life-changing journey, immigrating to Canada aboard the SS Volendam. They landed in Halifax, then travelled by train to the small village of Vauxhall, Alberta.

Elizabeth soon moved to Banff, where she lived in a convent and worked to support herself. It was there she met the love of her life, Maximilian Hoogveld. They were married in Vancouver, forging a strong bond that lasted 66 years. Elizabeth’s family followed her to Vancouver to witness her marriage, and together, she and Max built a life rooted in love, faith, and community.

Elizabeth was the proud mother of seven children: Raymond (Moira predeceased) (Norma), Yvonne (Gary predeceased), Robert (Michelle), Perry (Susan predeceased) (Debbie), Jeffrey (Tania), Marilyn (Jeremy), and Maximilian (Lucy). She was a devoted grandmother and great-grandmother of an ever-growing family of over 60, with her descendants soon to reach 41 in numbers this April.

A dedicated member of the Richmond community and her church, Elizabeth had a passion for indoor plants and an incredible talent as a seamstress. She created cross-stitch art, tablecloths, and knitted for her extended family and children in the church, continuing her craft daily until the age of 90. She also owned and operated a heritage bookstore in Steveston for 11 years before retiring to Kelowna with Max, where she enjoyed travelling, reading, and casual golfing as a member of Kelowna Springs.

Elizabeth will be lovingly remembered by her siblings: John, Bill, Leo, and Anne (predeceased by Peter and Tony); her children and their families; and all who were touched by her passionate determination, creativity, and enduring faith.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 10:00 am, at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC, with reception to follow. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view in 3-5 days.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.

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