Mary Louise Lijdsman
LIJDSMAN - Mary Louise Lijdsman (Keeley) was born on February 8, 1933 & raised in Nanton, Alberta. Mary Lou passed away peacefully with family by her side on March 24, 2024, at the Big Country Long Term Care in Oyen, Alberta.
Mary Lou lived in Nanton until 1945, when the family moved to Calgary. Mom attended St Mary school, then Business College, and then worked as an operator with CPR railway.
While in Calgary, she met a handsome young man, John Lijdsman, at the corner store they both frequented – who said, "It was love at first site." They were married on June 27, 1953, in Calgary, Alberta and moved to Oyen, where they set their roots and raised six children – Margaret, Dan, Connie, Karen, Paul and Trudy.
Moving to Oyen was a big adjustment to the small community life. She was involved with the Kinette Club and CWL, was an avid card player, and sewed costumes for skating and Halloween parties and many outfits for her children. Later, she enjoyed time with the Splurge Ladies group and Border Quilters.
The family built a cabin at Muriel Lake, where many memories were made. And, of course, watching her family grow with a total of sixteen grandchildren and twenty great-grandchildren.
Mary Lou and John enjoyed all their travels—Hawaii, cruises, and casino trips with close family and friends.
Mary Lou adjusted very well to moving from condo life to the Lodge and finally to the Long-Term Facility. Mom never complained.
Mom was loved by all of her extended family and survived by her six children: Margaret (Kerry) Berg, Dan (Lesley) Lijdsman, Connie (Shane) Wallace, Karen (Harley) Spate, Paul (Bev) Lijdsman, Trudy (Dennis) Hittel; and brother Dan Keeley.
Mary Lou was predeceased by her husband John, parents Naomi and William Keeley, brothers Jim and William, and sisters Emily and Margaret.
"A mother's prayer is that her children will love each other long after she is gone."
Memorial tributes may be directed to the Oyen and District Health Care Foundation, care of the Resident Family Council, Box 1, Oyen, Alberta T0J 2J0.
Prayer Service was held on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at 7 p.m.
Funeral Mass was held Monday, April 1, 2024, at 11 a.m.
Both were at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Oyen, AB
To send messages of condolence, please visit ofsmacleans.com
Funeral arrangements in the care of MacLean's Funeral Home in Oyen, AB