Obituary for Aaltje Reindina Meppelder (Boerema)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Aaltje Reindina Meppelder (Boerema), known to many as Ellen, passed away peacefully at the age of 94,
on April 11, 2021, at St. Lawrence Lodge in Brockville, Ontario. Mum was preceded in death by her
beloved husband, our father, the late Geert (Gerry) Meppelder in 1984.
Mum was born and raised in Groningen, Netherlands, a daughter of the late Christoffer and Anna Maria
Boerema. Mum and Dad relocated with their young family to Canada in February of 1955. Throughout her
life, Mum was devoted to her family. Her passions included knitting and crocheting. During her time at
the Lodge she knitted lap blankets for the other residents at Christmas. She enjoyed the company of the
other residents in the dining room and particularly enjoyed watching The Food Channel. Mum was a
strong, determined and independent woman. We will miss her every day.
Ellen was the cherished mother to five children, Betty Salmon (Garland), Mary Watt (Robert), Ellen
Purvis (Neil), John Meppelder (Cathy) and Fenna Jenkins (Matthew). She was a loving Oma to Jeanette
Salmon (Tim DeDekker), Gordon (Tracey) Meppelder, Jennifer (Rob) Elia, Christopher Salmon (Rebecka
Allen), Sheri (Matt) Simon, Julianna Watt (Dave Polk), Kristen (Scott) Murray, Nicole (Darryl) Hartley
and Melissa Jenkins (Rob Carr) and 16 great-grandchildren. Ellen is survived by two brothers, Harm and
Christoffer (Reina) Boerema and a sister, Teuntje Schuil (Boerema), all residing in the Netherlands. She is
also survived by her sister-in-law, Christien Meppelder Hogeveen and several nieces and nephews. She
was predeceased by her brother Henk and sister Gina. Ellen is fondly remembered by a very good
Caregiver and friend, Sheila Waldrif. Special thanks to Lisa Harper (Director of Care, St. Lawrence Lodge
LTC), the nursing staff and the PSWs who cared for and ensured her comfort while in palliative care at the
Lodge.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Irvine Memorial Chapel at Roselawn, Maitland, Ontario. A private family
memorial will be held at a later date, to be determined.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Canadian Mental Health Association or the Canadian Cancer Society would be gratefully acknowledged.
Send condolences or share a special memory of Ellen on the Memory Wall above.
Aaltje Reindina Meppelder (Boerema), known to many as Ellen, passed away peacefully at the age of 94,
on April 11, 2021, at St. Lawrence Lodge in Brockville, Ontario. Mum was preceded in death by her
beloved husband, our father, the late Geert (Gerry) Meppelder in 1984.
Mum was born and raised in Groningen, Netherlands, a daughter of the late Christoffer and Anna Maria
Boerema. Mum and Dad relocated with their young family to Canada in February of 1955. Throughout her
life, Mum was devoted to her family. Her passions included knitting and crocheting. During her time at
the Lodge she knitted lap blankets for the other residents at Christmas. She enjoyed the company of the
other residents in the dining room and particularly enjoyed watching The Food Channel. Mum was a
strong, determined and independent woman. We will miss her every day.
Ellen was the cherished mother to five children, Betty Salmon (Garland), Mary Watt (Robert), Ellen
Purvis (Neil), John Meppelder (Cathy) and Fenna Jenkins (Matthew). She was a loving Oma to Jeanette
Salmon (Tim DeDekker), Gordon (Tracey) Meppelder, Jennifer (Rob) Elia, Christopher Salmon (Rebecka
Allen), Sheri (Matt) Simon, Julianna Watt (Dave Polk), Kristen (Scott) Murray, Nicole (Darryl) Hartley
and Melissa Jenkins (Rob Carr) and 16 great-grandchildren. Ellen is survived by two brothers, Harm and
Christoffer (Reina) Boerema and a sister, Teuntje Schuil (Boerema), all residing in the Netherlands. She is
also survived by her sister-in-law, Christien Meppelder Hogeveen and several nieces and nephews. She
was predeceased by her brother Henk and sister Gina. Ellen is fondly remembered by a very good
Caregiver and friend, Sheila Waldrif. Special thanks to Lisa Harper (Director of Care, St. Lawrence Lodge
LTC), the nursing staff and the PSWs who cared for and ensured her comfort while in palliative care at the
Lodge.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Irvine Memorial Chapel at Roselawn, Maitland, Ontario. A private family
memorial will be held at a later date, to be determined.
As expressions of sympathy, donations to the Canadian Mental Health Association or the Canadian Cancer Society would be gratefully acknowledged.
Send condolences or share a special memory of Ellen on the Memory Wall above.