Gerrie Stamhuis

Gerritje “Gerrie” Stamhuis (nee Stolp) — known to many simply as “Oma” — passed away on the afternoon of February 24th, 2019, surrounded by her beloved family. Gerrie was born on July 24, 1931 in Zeist, The Netherlands, one of five siblings. Gerrie loved to tell stories about her Dutch upbringing: helping out at her father’s bakery, causing trouble with her brothers, or whiling away afternoons in the heather fields around her home. The war was difficult, but as with so much of the adversity she faced in her life, Gerrie stared down this challenge with courage, tenacity, and strength. After the war she emigrated to Canada, following her soon-to-be husband first to British Columbia, and eventually to Edmonton, Alberta. Newly arrived in Canada, she taught herself English by reading recipes and the dictionary. In the 1970s, Gerrie began selling real estate. She made lifelong friends during her decades as a realtor, often selling homes to the grown-up children of previous clients. For many years, it was well known that if you couldn’t reach her on the phone or via her pager, you’d be sure to find her at the swimming pool; Gerrie, it was rumoured, was part-duck. Well into her golden years, she swam a kilometer or more every morning, and her milestone birthday pool parties quickly became the stuff of family legend. Gerrie was honest, brilliantly intelligent, a kind and caring soul who loved cats, beautiful flowers, games of Gin Rummy, and her family: five children — Steven (Wendi), Sia (John), Harold (Irma), David (Kim), and Randy (Jacqui) — 9 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She was a treasure, and she leaves behind an incredible legacy of love that will carry on in the hearts of everyone who knew her. A special Thank You to all of the staff at the Dr. Gerald Zetter Care Centre and in the end, at U of A Hospital. A Celebration of Gerrie’s life will be held at a later date.