Obituary of Johanna Hendrika Wiersma

On Saturday, March 27, 2021, with her loving husband of 52 years by her side, Johanna Wiersma (VandenBrink) of Red Deer AB passed away and went to be with her Heavenly Father.

Johanna was born in Enschede Netherlands in April, 1949 to Bernard and Jacoba VandenBrink. Johanna was the youngest of 13. The family all eventually migrated to Canada. Johanna met Alex Wiersma in Red Deer where they attended church youth group functions together. They became close friends and were married on June 28, 1968. Johanna was a people person and was employed in various people related industries. Johanna showed her love for people, not only to her husband and 3 children, but to all those she met.

Johanna earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work and continued to serve her community, working for Catholic Social Services, Red Deer Hospice Society, and others. She volunteered with various organizations and retired while working for Red Deer Regional Hospital as a social worker on the dialysis unit. During her service to the community, she helped various people, not just at a professional level, but also at a personal level. Johanna was a loving wife, mother, sister and friend. Johanna considered many of her friends; family and their children; grandchildren.

Johanna loved to brag about her children and her granddaughter. She loved teaching anyone who would listen. She was patient when she needed to be patient, and firm when she needed to be firm. She had an uncanny ability to know when someone needed the extra conversation, the extra laugh, the visit. She spent time on the phone encouraging other home-bound people. She had a great sense of humor and was very passionate about people and about life.

Johanna liked to travel. Her travels were not always just for fun, but often had purpose. She went to Brazil on several occasions on mission trips. During her travels she would befriend various people and keep in touch with them. Dad has received many condolences from oversees from people whom Mom had touched during their travels.

Johanna had a strong faith in our savior Jesus Christ. Johanna emulated Christ’s love. Johanna will be missed. John 16: 22 “So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.” (Holy Bible NIV)

Johanna’s family know that she (and they) would want to thank all the medical staff who has worked tirelessly with her and Alex over the last several years. To the Staff at Sheldon M. Chumir Health Center you rock. To the Red Deer Hospital staff your awesome.

Johanna leaves to mourn her husband Alex Wiersma, daughter Ria (Andreas) Hefti, son Darryn (Christina) Wiersma and her granddaughter Chloe Wiersma. She was predeceased by her son Mark Wiersma. Johanna was a Loving and Caring; Wife (Best Friend), Mother, Grandmother (Oma) and Friend. Johanna will be dearly missed.

Due to the current Covid 19 social gathering restrictions, a private service will be held. Condolences for the family may be e-mailed to meaningful@telus.net.

To view a livestream of Johanna's graveside service on Friday, April 9, 2021 at 1:00 pm MST, visit the YouTube channel at this link.

To view a memorial slide show, click here (for MOV format) or here (for m4v format).

John 14:1-4 “Do not let your hearts be troubled.

Trust in God... In my Father’s house are many rooms;

if it were not so, I would have told you...” (Holy Bible NIV)

Arrangements in care of

Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service

A locally owned cremation and funeral provider

serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta

587-876-4944