Elisabeth “Bep” van Zanten was born in Velsen, North Holland, Netherlands on July 3, 1932. She was the middle child, and oldest daughter, of 7 children born to Jacobus and Margaretha Oudendijk.
Bep was a hard-working young woman who grew up working in her family’s butcher shop. When she was 19 years old, she met the love of her life, Ted, who soon left to establish a life in Canada. She continued to live life to the fullest while waiting for him. Five years later, Ted swept Bep off her feet and she joined him in Canada. They were married on Sept 8, 1956. Bep had 4 children over a span of 10 years, all the while helping with the family business.
Bep delighted in her family, had a strong faith in God, and had many friends; she enjoyed travelling, and excelled at entertaining. Bep loved to dance, whether it was waltzing with her beloved Ted or leading a conga line, and she was usually the life of the party. Bep had incredible energy, enthusiasm, and a zest for life that would lighten up every room she entered. Her smile was infectious and her laughter, contagious. She had an extraordinary ability to make every person feel special.
For the past several years Bep lived at the Peninsula Retirement Residences where she was an active participant in everything from line dancing to exercise classes. She was truly loved by residents and staff alike.
Bep leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness. She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her, especially her children: Ed (Wanda), Margie, Michael (Carmen), Linda (Don), and her 14 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, January 18, 2024, at Good Shepherd Church, 2250 150th St., Surrey, BC.
Live Stream for funeral: https://www.legacystreaming.com/arbutus/
In Lieu of flowers please make a donation to “Let’s Give Them Hope,” at http://www.icms.org/lgth
Bep and Ted have been long-time supporters and have helped to save many children’s lives in Africa.
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