Alberta Janny Keefer

With great sadness, we announce that we have lost our beloved mother, daughter, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother, wife and friend. Betty passed away on Saturday, October 11th at the age of 80. She was born January 9, 1945 in Barneveld, The Netherlands, to Tannetje (Brouwer) and Jan Jansen. Immigrated to Canada March 24, 1953 on the SS Waterman and arrived at Pier 21 on March 31st, then travelled by train to Chilliwack.

Betty is now joined with the love of her life, husband of 53 years, John, and leaves behind her children: Kim (Rob) Karr - grandchildren Anthony, Kaitlyn and Jasper and great granddaughter Daisy, Janessa and Lauren; Stan and Pam Keefer - grandchildren Travis and Karen, Tara and Will de Rover and great grandchildren, Gage, Sawyer, Bowen, Finn and Joan; Mike and Bonnie Keefer - grandchildren Cole, Ashley and Brooke. Betty was predeceased by her husband John, her parents Tannetje (Brouwer) and Jan Jansen, her brother Henry, and John’s parents Stanley and Kate. She leaves behind her brothers and sisters: Eva (Henk) Klop, Casey (Phyllis, Betty) Jansen, Tanny and Bill Vermeer, Brian and Darlyne Jansen, Pauline and Henk Visscher, John and Wilma Jansen, (Henry) and Jenny Jansen, Hannah and Bert Brunia. Also John’s sisters: Marlene Williams and Dorothy (Fred) Baxter, and her many nieces and nephews on both sides.

She will be greatly missed by all her family and friends.

Thanks to the many people that looked after Mom, from the paramedics, doctors and nurses at Chilliwack Hospital. A special thank you to Dr Markey, Dr Wolffe and the nurses of Chilliwack Hospital, the care you gave Mom this past month was spectacular, the kindness and care was greatly appreciated, and especially to her favourite daughter!

Saturday’s will never be the same at the family table for coffee klatch, a gathering with the siblings for a weekly chat, drink, snack, and catch up on the latest gossip. Mom always gave the best hugs, no matter who you were, there was always a hug for you, and a kiss on the cheek. A fabulous cook, with her famous boerenkool and nasi, days of canning food, and the fun of freezing corn from the field; it was a family affair. We’ll have to discover all the upcoming new tech gadgets ourselves, because you won’t be there to buy them first….

Monday, October 20th at Chilliwack Free Reformed Church, 45471 Yale Rd., Chilliwack. Viewing - 9am, Service - 10am, Reception - following service 11-12, Burial will take place at 3pm