Johanna Maria Middelburg (née Wouters)

At 18, after finishing school with a Diploma of Competence in Homemaking, Johanna joined the Netherlands Royal Navy Women Corps (Marva). Serving from 1945 to 1951 primarily on Java Island in the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia) achieving a rank of sergeant.

On the boat back from the Dutch East Indies, Johanna met her husband, Adrianus (Andy) Middelburg, who had completed his compulsory military service in the Dutch East. They lived and dated in Amsterdam for a short while before marrying in 1951. Shortly after, they immigrated to Canada settling in Lethbridge, Alberta.

Andy’s work took them to numerous places across Canada including Calgary, Winnipeg, Chateauguay (Montreal), Oakville (Toronto) and Stittsville (Ottawa). After Andy`s retirement they moved to Winnipeg and finally Kamloops to be close to their children and grandchildren.

Johanna stayed home to raise their four children; Adlai, Carla, Bert and Derek. She was intelligent and creative; keeping the kids occupied with such activities as kite making and flying, skating with chairs, swimming, badminton and board games.

Johanna enjoyed reading, needle work, swimming, badminton, ballet and collecting & researching stamps from around the world. She was also an amazing baker, especially cream puffs.

Johanna is survived by her children Adlai (Anne) of Gloucestershire, UK, Carla (Chris) of Baie Verte, NB and Bert of Paul Lake, BC; grandchildren Patrick (Abby), Laura, Sarah, Anna Murray (Frederic), Andrew and Nicolle. He was predeceased by her parents Petrus Johannes Wouters and Cecilia Lucia Adriana Jansen, husband Adrianus Middelburg and brother Jan Wouters, son Derek John Middelburg and daughter-in-law Liza Middelburg (née Spratt).

The family would like to express their utmost gratitude to the staff at the Gemstone Care Centre, and in particular Colleen Cochrane, for the care and friendship that they extended to Johanna and Andy.