Lisa Braat

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. (Condolences may be shared by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com). 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. Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, Crematorium & Reflections Reception Facility, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4. Telephone 403-527-6455

• Date : 2025-03-28
• Location : Bow Island, Alberta

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