Obituary of Lia (Alida) van der Zalm

VAN DER ZALM, Lia (Alida) 

1940-2019

Passed away peacefully in her sleep while surrounded by her loving family, at her residence on Friday, October 25th at the age of 78.  She was the beloved wife of 45 years to the late Clemens (1938-2012). Lia will forever be in the hearts of her children Diana (Phil), Paul (Michelina), Jennifer (Darryl) and Robert (Julie). Oma will also be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Rosalia, Paulina, Katrina, Sean, Seth, Rachel, Nathan, Krista and Ella.  She was the dear sister of Koos, Leo, Philip, Mary, Pieter and Dorien.  Lia was predeceased by her infant son Paul (1968), her parents Arie and Henrietta, her sisters Ria and Petra and her brothers Simon, Jan and Harry.

Lia was born in De Lier, Netherlands, and was the third youngest of twelve children. She immigrated to Canada in 1966 to start a new life which she faced with strength, courage and dignity. She always believed in the dignity of life and was a proud, longtime supporter of the St. Catharines Right to Life Association.  She was a dedicated volunteer with the Niagara Warehouse of Hope, supporting projects in Tanzania, Guatemala and Haiti. Lia will be remembered as a generous and kind woman and she will be missed with a heavy heart by both family and friends. Our deepest appreciation goes out to all who provided compassion and endless support during her last days, especially Debbie Macintyre.

The family will receive friends at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL HOME, 585 Carlton St. Catharines on Tuesday, October 29 from 1-3:30 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.  Vigil prayers will be held in the funeral home on Tuesday at 2:30 p.m.  A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Alfred Roman Catholic Church, 272 Vine St., St. Catharines on Wednesday, October 30 at 10 a.m. Rite of Committal will follow at Victoria Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations made to the St. Catharines Right to Life Association and the Niagara Warehouse of Hope would be appreciated by the family.