vanVulpen, Anna (Johanna Maria Tolboom) of Heathbell Rd., Scotsburn, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2015 at the Orchard Court Shannex in Kentville.
Born February 4, 1925 in Hamersveld, Netherlands, she immigrated to Canada in 1950 with her husband, John vanVulpen.
They worked side by side, first for others and then on the farm they purchased in 1955.
They raised six children while establishing a successful dairy business. Anna learned to drive a car and to swim after the age of 50. She volunteered for the United Way for many years, visited and baked for friends and those who needed care.
Anna loved her water fitness classes at the Pictou pool and her weekly afternoon of bowling, as well as playing cards with family and friends. She had a green thumb that filled her house with greenery and each year, she developed a huge rich garden.
Anna enjoyed several extensive trips she and John made together as much as the Sunday drives through the Nova Scotia countryside.
She is survived by children, Rita vanVulpen (Peter Kiefl), Janet Sutcliffe (Greg), Linda vanVulpen (Ron Coolen), John vanVulpen (Debbie) and Jo-Ann vanVulpen (Andre Doucet) as well as 14 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
Anna was predeceased by her husband, John and daughter, Nellie Neish. The family wishes to thank the wonderful companions who brightened Mom’s days over the last two years, and also the staff of L’Acadie, Orchard Court.
Visitation will be 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. Wednesday in McLaren Funeral Home, Pictou.
Funeral Mass will be held 11 a.m. Thursday from Stella Maris Roman Catholic Church, Pictou, with Father Tom MacNeil officiating.
Burial will be in the parish cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to a charity of your choosing.