our beloved Mother, Beppe, and Grand Beppe, passed away on Wednesday July 21, 2021 at Groves Memorial Community Hospital in Fergus, Ontario in her 94th year. Aaltje was born in Suawoude, Friesland, Netherlands in 1927. She immigrated to Canada in June 1952, first to Quebec, later moving to Ontario. She was an accomplished homemaker, seamstress, craftsperson, and gardener. She brought with her many Friesian traditions and lovingly passed them down to her family. Aaltje was predeceased by her husbands Jelle “George” van der Sluis (d. 1983) and Johannes “Joe” Jacobs (d. 2006), her parents Jochum Visser and Jeltje Dijkstra, and her brothers Jan Visser, Hillebrand Visser, and Klaas Visser. She is survived by her sister Mary Visser Dalgaard. Aaltje will be sorely missed and lovingly remembered by her children Marion Barnaby (Wayne), Robert van der Sluis (Barbara), John van der Sluis (Mary), Jane Haggett (Roger), and Alice Kells (Stephen), along with 13 grandchildren (Renee, Naomi, Joni Marie, Archie, Angela, James, Bobby, Tracy, Rachel, Kristy, Ryan, Jason, and Emily) and 21 great grandchildren. She will also be missed by her stepchildren Diane Ferguson (John) and Joyce Murdoch (deceased) (Randy) and their children and grandchildren. A private family funeral and celebration of life was held at Graham A. Giddy Funeral Home in Fergus, Ontario on Monday, July 26, 2021. Memorial donations may be made in Aaltje’s name to Grace Mountain Mission CSFPA or Groves Memorial Community Hospital Foundation. The family wishes to send a special thank you to Dr. John Stickney, the staff at Highland Manor in Fergus, and the staff at Groves Memorial Community Hospital for their care and compassion.
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