M. Elisabeth de Graaf (Oma, Lies) - age 89, formally of Hillaton, passed away peacefully at Orchard Villa West Seniors Residence, Berwick, on Tuesday, January 8, 2019. Born on January 27, 1929 in Roggel, The Netherlands, she was the oldest daughter of 13 children of the late Thomas and Antoinette (Peeters) Scheenen. At the age of 15, she lost her leg stepping on a German landmine. She became a wonderful seamstress for her 10 sisters and two brothers, sewing all of their wedding dresses and numerous outfits for the neighbors. In 1964, she immigrated to Canada to marry her late husband, John de Graaf, Lower Canard, and immediately became a mother of five children. She worked side by side with John on the pheasant, apple, dairy and poultry farm. She was a member of the St. Lawrence Catholic Church and of the Canning Catholic Council. She enjoyed their new home in Hillaton and the lovely gardens that John landscaped and maintained. She was the most loving, kindest mother and Oma to many grandchildren, friends and neighbors. She leaves behind, her five children and their spouses, Kees (Irma); Henk (Linda); Catharina (Gerard Ansems); Adrian (Deborah) and Peter (Stephanie); 15 grandchildren, Michael (Janice) de Graaf; Jerry (Michelle) de Graaf; Greg (Melissa) de Graaf; Jason (Tammy) de Graaf; Trish de Graaf; Tina de Graaf; Trevor de Graaf; Fred (Shirley) Ansems; Daniel (Patti) Ansems; Randy (Angela) Ansems; Marian (Ben Le Mere) Ansems; Nicholas (Trudy) de Graaf; Danielle de Graaf (Anthony Sherrard); Megan de Graaf (Brian Steeves); Corrie de Graaf (Peter Hatter); several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Mia (Jo Seerden); Nelly Schuttenbeld; Toos (Crit Hennissen); Mien (Bèr Corstjens); Corrie (Con Van Nieuwenhoven); Tiny (Ed Vliegen); brothers, Jan (Toos) and Jac; two brothers-in-law, Sef Vervuurt and Tjeu Aendekerk; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Johannas “John”; grandson, Timothy; four sisters and two brothers-in-law, Trui and Sef Hennissen; Griet; Fien and Antje and Harri Schuttenbeld. Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, January 13, 2019 in the White Funeral Home, Kentville. A funeral service, followed by a reception, took place at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 14, 2019 in St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, Kentville, Father Gerald Saulnier officiating. A private family burial took place in the St. Francis of Assisi Church Cemetery, Ridge Road, Wolfville. No flowers, by request. Donations in memory may be made to the Victorian Order of Nurses, Kings Branch or the Canadian Cancer Society. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Kentville. On-line condolences and inquiries may be directed to www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.