Grace Van Belle

The Lord has called home His faithful servant, Grace Van Belle in her 79th year. Grace will be dearly missed by Bill, her husband of almost 55 years. She was a loving mother to Dave (Amy), Carla (Phil), Juanita (Chris), and Rob (Hettie); proud Grandma to Reagan (Inge), Aaron (Emily), Karina, Wim, Pete, Magda, Henk (Sarah), Charlotte, Katelyn, ♰Naomi (2001), Daniel, Josh, Rachel, Reuben, Caleb, Annaliese, Thomas, and Tessa; dear sister to Alie, (♰Hendrik), Dick (♰Anna) and sister in law to Harry (♰Ada)(Rita), Gerald (Joanne), Pete (♰Weia)(Rita).

Grace was born on March 25, 1946, in Zwartsluis, The Netherlands, the second child of Hendrik and Hennie Eisen. She emigrated with her family in 1951 to Canada. Grace grew up in northern British Columbia, before setting off for Dordt University on her own to become a teacher. Upon completion of her studies, she went to Bowmanville, Ontario to teach in the Christian school. It was here that she met Bill. After their wedding on August 14, 1970, they began a life of travelling together beginning with their nine month honeymoon. They eventually settled on Matsqui Prairie in 1973 to start Van Belle Nursery and raise their family. Grace was always a key partner in the business, managing the office, all the while raising their four children. They have been faithful members of Living Hope CRC, joining in 1972. Grace was passionate about Christian education and devoted many hours to the Women’s Circle and the Christian school board. Grace and Bill continued their world travels together, including many trips to Nicaragua to support the work of Partners Worldwide. Grace enjoyed hosting friends, customers, family gatherings, and especially grandchildren on their lunch breaks in the backyard where she and Bill tended carefully to their garden.

The family is grateful for the care received by the dedicated nurses and the prayers and support of family, friends and our church families.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to www.partnersworldwide.org