Edna Ann van Dam
December 27th, 2021
van DAM, Edna Ann
(Hengstler)
It is with great sadness that we announce the passsing of our wife and mother on Monday, December 27, 2021 after a 6 year fight with multiple myeloma at the age of 71 years.
She will be forever remembered by her husband Vance of 47 years; sons Trent, Collin and wife Debbie; daughter Deanna; brother Grant Hengstler and sister in law Sandy (Frank, Paul & Sue); sister in law Grace Hengstler (Tina, Julie & Ken); sister in law Laurine Suntjens (Tracy & Clint); cousins Eldon Hammer & Grace Little; as well as other numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors.
Edna was born November 14, 1950 in Innisfail to parents Frank (1898-1965) & Pia (1915-1958) and raised east of Bowden with her older brothers Tony and Grant. After her mother's passing, Edna was raised by her uncle and aunt, Alfred and Amelia, her mother's sister. She grew up like a sister to her cousins Lorraine, Eldon and Grace. Edna left school after Grade 10 and started work at the old Didsbury Hospital where she made many lifelong friends. During this time her travels to Montreal and Italy were fond memories. Then in 1973 Edna was set up on a blind date with her future husband Vance at Oktoberfest in the Stampede Corral. They married June 8, 1974.
After a brief time in Calgary, Vance and Edna bought a shoe store in Claresholm and started their family. In 1989, after buying an insurance agency they moved to Didsbury. Edna was happy to be closer to all her relatives. Edna enjoyed their summer vacations to Radium for the past 33 years.
Vance and Edna enjoyed many trips with friends and family to places like Hawaii, Las Vegas, Florida, Mexico, Australia and New Zealand and several trips to Alaska. After retirement in 2005, they became snowbirds in Mesa, Arizona. Her last memorable trip was in 2015 to China with her daughter Deanna and cousin Sharon Dyer.
Edna was predeceased by her parents Frank and Pia Hengstler; brother Tony Hengstler; uncle and aunt, Alfred and Amelia Hammer; mother in law Agnes van Dam; cousin Lorraine Hammer-Hofmann.
Edna was a wonderful cook and baker. A warm welcome with food and drink were guaranteed to anyone who came to visit. With her friendly demeanor, Edna left an impression on everyone she met. She will be sadly missed by all who were fortunate to know her.
We are grateful to Dr. Tay and all the staff at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre as well as the Olds Hospital staff for their kindness, caring and support.
At Edna's request, there will be no funeral service.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be directed to multiplemyeloma.ca and the Cochrane and Area Humane Society, 62 Griffin Industrial Point, Cochrane, AB, T4C 0A3.
Messages:
My sincere sympathy to Vance and all the family. Dorothy
We were saddened to hear of Edna’s passing.She will be remembered for her kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity to her family and friends . Our condolences go out to the van Dam family. Gerry&Angie ASSELSTINE
Deeanna and family, So very sorry for the loss of your mom. She was a friendly, kind lady that will be greatly missed.
So sorry to hear of your family's loss. Edna was a special lady, willing to help where and when needed. I still remember her selling 50/50 for the Colts helping to keep things running smoothly. She also was such a supporter of the Town of Didsbury, supporting the Lions at their events, minor hockey, minor ball as well as being an awesome mom and wife. In time the good memories will overtake what you are feeling now, I remember Father Les telling me that " you can't go over it, you can't go under it, you have to go through it (grief ) in order to heal. He also asked me to remember that " if you didn't have the love of a good partner and parent, then you would not have the grief" Grief is the down side of great love and I know that the Van Dam family had a lot of love for their wife and mom.
We were saddened to hear of Edna’s passing. Sending our deepest sympathies to you and Trent, Collin and Deanna.
Vance and family. My most sincere sympathy on the loss of your wife and mother, Edna.
Vance and family. So sorry to hear of your loss. Cherish the memories
Elaine and I were saddened to hear of Edna’s passing. Our deepest sympathies are extended to Vance and family. Elaine and John Rusling
Vance and family, We are saddened to read of Edna's passing. She was a bright light and shared her warmth with all of us. The last time I saw her was at the coffee shop in Didsbury and I greatly admired her courage. We will always remember our "pot luck" days with the two of you and our other Didsbury friends. I'm sure that her passing will leave a big hole in your lives. Know that we are thinking of you with love.
Edna was my dearest friend and will be in our hearts forever. I will miss our conversations and I always look forward to our visits. She was courageous lady in her long battle with cancer. Many memories were created thru the long friendship of 48 years. Vance, Trent, Collin and Deanna you are in our thought and prayers
Please accept our sincere and heartfelt sympathy on your great loss. Edna was a really special person.
Sending our deepest sympathies to Vance and family! Edna was a kind and gentle person, we enjoyed our visits with her so much!
Vance, we were surprised and saddened to read about Edna’s passing. Our condolences to you and your family.
Sending our condolences. We will fondly remember Edna's kindness.
Sending our deepest sympathies to Vance and family! Edna was a kind and gentle person, we enjoyed our visits with her so much!
We are so sorry for your loss. Brian and Eleanor.
My deepest & most heartfelt sympathy ❤️
Our sincere condolences on the loss of you wife and mother. May all the happy memories help you through this difficult time.
Sending our deepest sympathies to Vance and family. Edna was a wonderful lady.
Sending our sincere condolences to Vance and family. Edna will be missed by many for her easy smile and gentle, kind nature. Thinking of you at this time of heavy loss.