Alice Anne (Aukje) Nicolai Hielema

Alice Anne (Aukje) Nicolai Hielema was born on September 29, 1928, in the world-renowned town of Edam, Saskatchewan. She is the last of the Nicolai family of her generation to pass into glory. Her parents, Rienk and Anna, emigrated from Holland to Canada earlier that same year. They had been promised a beautiful homestead in Saskatchewan, but when they arrived, no farm awaited them. With determination and hope, Rienk purchased two cows to help provide for his young family.

Alice was the fifth of seven children—Gordon, Walter, Jennie, Jessie, Mary, and Peter. She often spoke fondly of her siblings throughout her life, retelling stories that kept their memories alive. In her final year living with dementia, she would sometimes mistake her son Stanford for her brothers Walter or Gordon—an expression of how deeply her early family bonds shaped her.

After high school in Edmonton, Alice pursued nursing at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, becoming a Registered Nurse. In 1952 she enrolled at Calvin College to pursue a bachelor of science.  She also taught several nursing courses. It was at Calvin where she met the love of her life, Jacob Sietse Hielema. They were married in 1958.

Alice and Jack’s family grew quickly. Their first daughter, Anna Marcia, was born in 1959. In 1960, while Jacob was studying in Amsterdam, their second daughter, Murielle Jean, was born. Their third daughter, Jacqueline Mae, arrived in 1962 in Grand Rapids, and finally, in 1966, their son Stanford Drew was born in Sarnia.

Over the course of her life, Alice moved more than 45 times. Her 46th move brought her to her final resting place with Jesus. On December 3, 2025, at 97 years of age, Alice passed away peacefully, with her family lovingly surrounding her bedside.

Among her many moves, her four years in Larnaca, Cyprus held a special place in her heart. She loved the heat, the community, and the joy of working alongside Jack in their day-to-day activities and ministry. Alice was a humble woman, never seeking attention for herself, yet she was a constant source of strength to Jack throughout his pastoral ministry. Her quiet encouragement, steadfast faith, and unwavering support shaped their life of service together.

Alice devoted her entire life to serving the Lord. She continued nursing well into her early 70s. She was also remarkably athletic—able to do backbends into her 40s and push-ups in her 70s. Above all, she was a loving and faithful mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Her life was anchored in Scripture. Two of her favorite passages were Proverbs 3:5–6—“Trust in the Lord with all your heart…”—and Psalm 121, a psalm of God’s steadfast protection. These verses guided her through every season and shaped a faith that remained steady until her final breath.

Alice is predeceased by her daughter Anna (2020).
She is survived by her husband, Jacob, and by her children and their families:

•     Anna (†2020) & Chris– Jos & Sherilynn; Alyssa & Michael; Maia & Michael; Kailan
•     Murielle & Andrew– Shyam, Quinn
•     Jacky & Richard– Nicolai & Anita; Ciara; Jacob
•     Stanford & Monica– Charissa & Andrew; James & Emma; Annelise; Jillian

She is also cherished by her great-grandchildren: Oakley, Brooks, Everleigh, Kasper, Hanna, August, Johan, and Willem

Alice’s legacy is one of faithfulness, humility, strength, resilience, and deep love—for her family, for her Lord, and for every community she touched. Her life testified to the words she loved: “My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Mayfair Nursing Home, in Calgary, for their beautiful and compassionate care for Mom. Their kindness and love were a profound blessing in her final year.

• Date : 2025-12-03
• Location : Eventide Funeral Home, www.eventidefuneralchapels.com