We Remember

VAN DER MERWE, Susanna

April 7, 1930 — May 3, 2025

Susanna Johanna van der Merwe, beloved Ma and Ouma, passed peacefully to her eternal rest on May 3, 2025, at the age of 95.

Affectionately known as “Suzie” by her siblings, she was born on her family’s farm Derderivier, near Riversdale, South Africa, in 1930, the third youngest of eight children born to Piet and Helene de Villiers. She spoke often and joyfully of her childhood, her siblings, and growing up on their farm in the Western Cape. As a child, her eldest sister, El, was her guiding light, and her youngest sister, Joey, was her dearest companion and self-named “twin.”

Predeceased unexpectedly in 1979 by her husband, Corrie van der Merwe, Susanna dedicated her life to her children and family. Where others might have faltered, she showed remarkable strength. In 1998, at age 68, she immigrated to Calgary, AB, Canada then relocated to Vancouver, BC and eventually West Kelowna, BC.

During her life, she was an avid gardener, prolific knitter, and skilled needlepoint artist. Her passion in these areas was only surpassed by her love of baking, including her mother’s homemade milk tart, and her own popular recipes for tapioca pudding, pear pudding, and roly-poly pudding. Her love of cappuccino, alias “fluffy” coffee, and croissants was legendary. Her framed tapestries hang proudly in her children’s homes; her cable knit sweaters and toques warm her grandchildren. We cherish these gifts.

She will be remembered by her children Helena, Corrie (Lesley), Pieter (Vicki), and Sonja (Kobus); her 7 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren, as a devoted mother, ouma, and a resilient, dignified lady. She will be missed beyond measure.

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