Petronella Postma

Nell was born in the village of Nes on the Frisian Island of Ameland, NL in the North Sea. The oldest of four children, she was dutiful to her family, living her formative years in war-torn Holland. Nell began nursing training at the Diakonessen Huis in Leeuwarden prior to marrying and immigrating to Canada in 1954, making Edmonton home.

The family matriarch, ‘Beppe’ was a wife, grandmother and great grandmother. She leaves to mourn her loss her children: Yolanda MacKenzie, Richard, and Judy Moore (Jeff). Grandchildren: Jason Postma (Bree), Justine MacKenzie, Jessica Park (Kyle), Nicholas Moore (Shannon), Brett MacKenzie (Sasha), Victoria Solberg (Julian), Mark Postma and Conrad Moore (Isabella). Great grandchildren: Audrey Curnow, Leo, Lauren and Luke Solberg, Logan, Luke and Zach Park, Madeline and Lily MacKenzie, Hudson and Scarlett Postma, and Conall and Torin Moore. Special family members: Eileen Matthews (Gary), sisters Annie and Riekje, brother Tijip, sister-in-law Jellie Vander Oord as well as nieces and nephews.

Nell was pre-deceased by her husband of 69 years, Simon in 2023, son-in-law, Ian MacKenzie in 2021, and grandson-in-law Richard Curnow in 2011.

Best described as a force of nature with boundless energy, Nell single-handedly took on any task big or small. Among her many accomplishments was mastering a new language, English, with support from a neighbour in exchange for washing dishes. Putting her language skills to good use, Nell worked in the Circulation room at the Edmonton Journal — occasionally noting front page errors, she would have the presses stopped. She also worked at Municipal Affairs, Alberta Government retiring in 1987 to help with the wave of grandchildren who were born the next number of years.

Nell loved many things: babies, coffee, good baking and a good visit, her home and garden, a bargain (her Dutch thrift!), and no surprise — reading newspapers. She was selfless, always putting family first, spoiling her kids and grandchildren. Her legacy will live on as a role model of unconditional love and hard work.

The family thanks the Sunrise Reminiscence team in Victoria, BC for their superb care of Beppe and kindness these past two years.

At her request, there will be no service and cremation has already taken place.