STROOTMAN, Elizabeth passed peacefully at Spencer House, Orillia surrounded by her family on Saturday, November 5, 2022. She was 101 years and loved. Elizabeth was the cherished companion of her late husband, Richard Strootman, adored by four daughters, Margaret Skrabl (predeceased), Jacoba Kors, Marijke Opalka and Diana Ansell. She was a treasured Oma to eight grandchildren; Rick and Sandra Skrabl, Tim, Micheal and Gwendolyn Kors; Kelly, Katie and Kevin Ferguson; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Beloved Sister of Adrianus Heuvelman and Pieter Heuvelman (predeceased) of Rotterdam, Netherlands. Elizabeth is fondly remembered by her extended family in the Netherlands and many lifelong friends worldwide. Born Elizabeth Heuvelman on September 14, 1921, in Rotterdam, Netherlands. She married (Richard Strootman) had three children, and immigrated their family to Canada in 1953. Elizabeth had a fourth daughter in 1959. Elizabeth loved fishing and taking road trips with Richard. Together they enjoyed over 20 years travelling as ‘snowbirds’ to Florida and co-ordinated many social events within their community. Elizabeth was an accomplished seamstress and loved knitting and sewing clothing for her children and grandchildren. In addition, she devoted herself to making various items, including newborn hats and mittens, for the NICU at Orillia Soldiers Memorial Hospital. Elizabeth turned her passion into a good cause; she made hundreds of stuffed toy dolls for children in countries experiencing natural disasters and poverty. Elizabeth participated in many celebrations within the Dutch community at Tollendale Village, including bazaars, bingo nights, and singing in the Christmas church choir. Elizabeth was a proud survivor of Breast Cancer and thrived in her life for over 45 years after her remission.
Visitation will be held at the Mundell Funeral Home, 79 West St. N., Orillia on Thursday, November 10, 2022 from 1 PM until time of Funeral Service at 2 PM. Interment to follow at St. Andrew's St. James' Cemetery Orillia. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Dementia Society or Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.