Johanna (Kooy) Konynenbelt was born on April 19, 1921 and passed away on January 17, 2023. 

Her children, 17 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, and 4 great great grandchildren, together with their partners, are thankful for Johanna’s full and energetic life that spanned more than a century. Johanna’s beloved husband Joe predeceased her in 1987. Their seven children and their spouses are:  Pat and Tony Postman (both predeceased); Ron and Tina Konynenbelt; Randy (predeceased) and Paulette Konynenbelt; Sharon and Clint Vander Woude; Carol and Ron Haveman; Lucinda and Derrick Bruin; Glenda and Walter Dunnewold.  All of Johanna’s siblings and their spouses and Joe’s siblings and their spouses died before she did except her one remaining sister-in-law, Gertrude Kooy.

Johanna was born on the prairies near Nobleford, Alberta, to Peter and Jennie Kooy. She loved helping out on the farm, and thought that riding horses was the best part of farm life. Johanna took a horse and buggy to Fort Kipp where she attended a one-room school, then completed her schooling in Nobleford. After that she enjoyed a few years of employment and friendships in Lethbridge, before returning to marry her local sweetheart Joe in 1944. Joe and Johanna established their farm just south of Nobleford, and planted over 100 trees, that still shelter the farm where Ron and Tina live today. In 1975 Joe and Johanna moved from the farm to the village of Nobleford.

Johanna was determined, industrious, and hospitable. Beyond her role as a mother and homemaker, she was an artist, gardener, musician, traveller, DIYer, and host.

As a follower of Jesus, Johanna was a lifelong member of the Nobleford Christian Reformed Church, where she contributed in many ways, including as an organist, and Sunday School and girls’ club leader.  In the Nobleford community, she was a friendly neighbour to many, was an active member of the Nobleford Seniors Association, and hosted Bible studies and Further Education classes in her home. Johanna always welcomed children, and her face lit up when she saw the little ones.

In 2021, even in the middle of the pandemic, Johanna was honoured and thankful to receive 100th birthday greetings and memories from so many people in the community of Nobleford and beyond. In October of 2021, Johanna moved to West Highland supported living residence in Lethbridge, where she valued the kindness and gentle care of staff and other caregivers, even through her last weeks of decline due to old age.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM, on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at the CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH, 522 Highway Ave, Nobleford, Alberta, with Pastor Wayne TenHarmsel officiating. A private family burial will be held at the Nobleford Monarch Cemetery. To watch the service via livestream please go to the Nobleford CRC website.

In lieu of flowers, you are welcome to make donations to Streets Alive Mission in Lethbridge, 323 4 St S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 1Z9.