Obituary - Lisa Braat
Lisa Braat
1941 - 2025
October 20, 1941 ~ March 28, 2025
It is with grieving hearts that the family of Elisabeth ‘Lisa’ Braat announce her passing at the Bow Island Hospital on Friday, March 28, 2025, at the age of 83 years.
Lisa was a loving wife to her husband, Fritz; mother to their children, Greg (Vanessa) Braat, Brian (Loren) Braat and Geoff (Bev) Braat; Oma of Anneke (Drew), Brynn, Carson, Kyla and Ryan; and Great-Oma of Brooks, and Alyha.
Lisa is also survived by her siblings, Anne Vanden Broek, Frank (Ann) Van Ham, and Adrian (Marlene) Van Ham and will be missed by close childhood friends, Joke Vergouwen and Joke Bruijns, both living in Holland. Lisa was predeceased by her sisters, Jean van Tryp and Mary Lieverse; brothers-in-law, Paul van Tryp, Adrian Lieverse and Frank Vandenbroek; by three other siblings; John, Petronella and Cornelius who passed away in childhood as well as by her parents, John and Antonetta Van Ham.
Lisa’s family is celebrating a life well lived; one of endless love, joy and faith. Lisa was born to John Van Ham and Antonetta Nouws in Schijf, Holland on October 20, 1941. She was the second youngest daughter of nine children. In 1953, her family immigrated to Taber, Alberta where they purchased a family dry cleaning business. Lisa’s sweetheart, Fritz, had unknowingly followed her all the way to Alberta. They enjoyed each other’s company so much that they wed in 1964. Their love for each other shone through all their wonderful 60 years of marriage together. They started farming in Lethbridge and continued to farm after they moved to Bow Island in 1969. For the first years of her marriage, Lisa was a full-time teacher, then continued to substitute teach over the next several years.
Her heart was always in serving the church and community. Her many achievements included: serving as an active member of CWL for 58 years, was President of the CWL for 5 years, belonged to the St. Michael’s Church Choir, served 15 years as a leader with 4-H, received the 4-H Family Award, was the President of the County of Forty Mile Food Bank for over 10 years and was an active member in the Golden Age Centre. Lisa was well known as a Bow Island ambassador which included her endless volunteering and assisting with the Alberta 75th Anniversary song book for Bow Island that included the theme song she wrote, “This Town Is Our Town”.
Lisa played a key role in the success of their farm and family. She always had the coffee on and meals ready either at the table or in the field. She was an amazing cook. Her quiet times included knitting, cross-stitch, crochet, sewing, gardening, and reading. Her favourite activities included volleyball, curling and golf. She was very involved and always took on a leadership role in all these activities. Lisa and Fritz enjoyed many winters in Arizona and traveled to many destinations throughout their lives; enjoying the trips to Holland to visit family and friends most of all.
Special thanks from the family to everyone that supported her during her many trips to the hospital for surgeries and the extended care she received in Bow Island. The many blessings through prayer, visits, meals, flowers, arts and crafts will be forever cherished and never forgotten. Special thanks to the medical staff in Bow Island, homecare, doctors and nurses that took exceptional care of her and Fritz.
Relatives and friends are invited to Vigil Prayers at St. Michael’s Parish, 1113 – 1 Street East, Bow Island on Friday, April 4, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael’s Parish, Bow Island, on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with Father Wojciech Jarzecki celebrant. Private family interment will follow at Bow Island Cemetery with a time of fellowship thereafter in the Golden Age Club, 206 5th Avenue East, Bow Island. Mass will be live-streamed. Those who may wish to attend the service virtually, may do so by visiting the Cook Southland website and select the View Broadcast button on the homepage at service time. If desired, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Lisa’s name may be made directly to the County of Forty Mile Food Bank, or a charity of your choosing.
The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed. Those who may wish to attend the service virtually, may do so by visiting this website and select the View Broadcast button on the homepage at service time.
April 5
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Joe & Bev Thacker:
Mar 28, 2025 at 07:39 PM
Our deepest sympathy to Fritz and family. Lisa was such a gracious and strong lady. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Bev & Joe Thacker
Gilbert Lunseth & Kathi Zeller:
Mar 29, 2025 at 01:25 PM
Please accept our sincere condolences on Lisa's passing. She was such a kind, caring and friendly lady. Truly a beautiful human being.
Theo and Regina Krooshoop:
Mar 29, 2025 at 05:38 PM
Fritz and family,
We are sorry to hear about Lisa’s passing.
Condolences to all.
From Theo and Regina Krooshoop
Denis and Pat Protti:
Mar 29, 2025 at 05:40 PM
Dear Fritz and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Lisa's passing yesterday. She has had a very difficult time over the past number of years. She was a sweet, gentle, brave and cherished friend.
We are keeping you and your family in our prayers.
Much love,
Denis and Pat
Kathy Nixdorf:
Mar 29, 2025 at 09:50 PM
My deepest sympathies Fritz and family on the passing of Lisa. I always admired her community involvement and never saying no to something she believed in. May your memories comfort you.
Ria Welbourne:
Mar 30, 2025 at 10:04 AM
My sincerest condolence at this time of your great loss of Lisa. She was so gracious in her suffering! May God grant her eternal rest now and give you peace and comfort Fritz and family! Love and prayers!!
Angela Kolody:
Mar 30, 2025 at 07:18 PM
Heartfelt condolences 💐 to Fritz & boys & extended family. Lisa was such a courageous woman whose strength & faith seemed to guide her through many challenges. She was a very special lady. Hold onto the memories ❤️
With sympathy & strength,
Angela Kolody & Carol Kolody
Sjef & Dory van Ham:
Mar 31, 2025 at 05:10 AM
Dear Fritz and family,
We sent you our condolences with the passing away of Lisa, wishing that she now may rest in peace.
May you find the strength to go about with this sad situation.
Sjef & Dory van Ham
Pauline Van Roessel:
Mar 31, 2025 at 11:14 AM
My deepest condolences to Fritz and entire extended family. Lisa was a strong, courageous woman, and a shining light in the community. May you find strength and comfort in all the beautiful memories and time you had on this earth with such a wonderful woman.
Thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time,
Pauline Van Roessel
Debbie & George Poole:
Mar 31, 2025 at 02:22 PM
Fritz & Family, our deepest condolences in the loss of Lisa.
Jim and Rachel Gaetz:
Mar 31, 2025 at 02:38 PM
Dear Fritz and Family
Words cannot express how saddened we are to hear of your loss. May God's promise of Eternal Life give you strength and comfort at this time. Our deepest sympathy. Our Prayers are with you.
Jim and Rachel
Dave & Karen Smith:
Mar 31, 2025 at 08:14 PM
Sincere condolences to Fritz and family. She was a beautiful lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dave and Karen Smith
LeeAnne and Brian Tedder:
Mar 31, 2025 at 10:34 PM
Dear Fritz and family,
We send our sincere condolences for the loss of Lisa. May your wonderful memories carry you through this most difficult time.
Barbara Thorson:
Mar 31, 2025 at 11:16 PM
On behalf of the late Ron and Marilyn Thorson, their families extend their sincere condolences in the loss of Lisa.
Bert & Clea Franssens:
Apr 01, 2025 at 12:48 PM
To Fritz and family,
Our sincere condolences with the passing of Lisa.
Bert & Clea Franssens
Jeanette Young:
Apr 01, 2025 at 01:31 PM
My sincere sympathy to all the family in the passing of Lisa. She was a very special lady. May precious memories last forever.
Sandra Hala:
Apr 01, 2025 at 01:40 PM
So sorry to hear of Lisa passing. May memories carry you all though. Prayers being sent your way.
Greg and Jean Miller:
Apr 01, 2025 at 04:08 PM
Sending our deepest condolences to Fritz and family.
Judy Schlachter:
Apr 01, 2025 at 06:24 PM
Condolences to Fritz and family on the passing of Lisa. I knew her as a kind and strong woman who involved herself in the community for the good of others. I know my mom very much valued their friendship. A life well lived, but still hard to lose her I am sure.
Helena Klassen:
Apr 02, 2025 at 08:33 AM
Our deepest sympathy to Fritz and family! Lisa will be greatly missed, the heart of love and care was always there, the bitter sweet visits we had with a cup of tea will never be forgotten ❤️
Alex &Irene Onody:
Apr 02, 2025 at 11:04 AM
Fritz and family, so very sorry to hear of Lisa’s passing, our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. May God wrap his arms around you and guide you through this difficult time.
Sincere condolences, Alex & Irene Onody
STEVE HOUSE:
Apr 02, 2025 at 11:38 AM
Greg & Vanessa & Family, my sincere condolences on the passing of your mother. May God grant her eternal rest now and give you peace and comfort, my thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time.
Luke, Sherry and Eli Sperber:
Apr 02, 2025 at 12:30 PM
So sorry to hear of your loss Braat family! Lisa was an amazing woman and we will miss her. Our thoughts are with you and the entire family through this difficult time.
Joanne and Dave Harris:
Apr 02, 2025 at 07:41 PM
Our condolences Uncle Fritz and your family. Aunt Lisa was special as she was always concerned about others. She was pivotal in keeping the extended Braat family connected. Our family deeply appreciated her and Uncle Fritz’s many visits to my mom over the years. A life well lived.
Carlene Gretzinger:
Apr 02, 2025 at 09:26 PM
So sorry to hear of Lisa's passing. She was a valued member of the Bow Island community. May your memories of your time together give you peace.
Clayton and Glenda Morrow:
Apr 03, 2025 at 03:18 PM
Our deepest condolences to Greg, Vanessa, your kids and the entire Braat family. May you find peace in knowing that your loved one is free of pain and resting in the arms of Jesus.
Rae-Ann Houston:
Apr 03, 2025 at 03:38 PM
Greg and Vanessa,
I was very saddened to hear about the passing of your mother. I know she was in and out of the hospital for years, and her strength and resilience were truly remarkable. Sending hugs and condolences to your family during this difficult time.
Gordon & Lori Schiller:
Apr 03, 2025 at 04:48 PM
Our deepest sympathies to the Braat family. May the way Lisa lived her life be forever in your hearts and memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Taylor and Tracy Braat:
Apr 04, 2025 at 12:52 PM
Aunt Lisa,
It breaks my heart in two, to say goodbye to you
Wish time could turn us back to yesterday
The gods above would look the other way
Maybe then we still could laugh together
Maybe then it could be Spring forever and a day
But I must face the truth and say goodbye to you
It breaks my heart in two, to say goodbye to you
Peace on your journey and thank YOU for being in our lives. Your wisdom and kindness will be missed not just my us, also by ALL.
Uncle Fritz and Families, prayers
Tony & Rita Bouw:
Apr 04, 2025 at 05:16 PM
To Fritz and families,
Our deepest sympathy. May the memories that mean the most to you live forever live in your hearts and comfort you.
Lisa was a very special lady.
Tony and Rita Bouw
Dianna Garrecht:
Apr 04, 2025 at 09:13 PM
Fritz & Family,
So sad to hear of your dear wife, mom and grandma's passing. Lisa was a kind and gentle lady who loved her family deeply.
I have such fond memories golfing with Lisa in the Bow Island League and also the Ladies' Scramble for many years.
Lisa told me she felt "blessed" to have Fritz and her family as a source of support through all those difficult days. May the loving care you gave her bring all of you comfort in the days ahead. Rest in peace my friend. Sincere condolences.
Annalise Van Ham and David Robertson:
Apr 05, 2025 at 10:27 AM
Dear Fritz and family, Our deepest condolences in this time of terrible loss. Lisa was always such a strong, generous and bright spirit. She brought joy to every space she entered. I know that the time spent visiting and then also travelling with our parents were such special memories for them!
Wishing you the comfort on your memories and God’s love in your time of grief.
Angela Kouremenos:
Apr 05, 2025 at 10:38 AM
Our deepest condolences to all of the family. Hugs and prayers to all.
Juanita Schlachter:
Apr 08, 2025 at 06:29 PM
Fritz, Greg, Brian and Geoff, please accept our condolences and deepest sympathy on the passing of Lisa.