It is with sadness that the family of Els (Elisabeth) Verbeek announce her passing on March 14, 2026, in Red Deer, Alberta at the age of 90 years.  She was born on October 8, 1935, in Oudewater, Holland.  In 1951 she immigrated to Canada with her parents and siblings beginning a new life in Beiseker, Alberta.  There she worked for her father in his medical practice until his passing in 1965.  After the death of her mother in 1967 she finished her high school at Red Deer composite high in 1969.  After graduating she joined CUSA (Canadian University Services Abroad) as a volunteer and taught Business Education in boarding school for girls.  In 1971 she returned to Holland and did her RN nursing education in Nymegen at the Radbout hospital.  In 1971 she joined the Mill Hill Missionary society as an associate and was directed to Pakistan in June of 1975 where she served with dedication and compassion for 28 years.  Pakistan held a special space in her heart and her years there caring for others and living out her faith were among the most meaningful years of her life. 

In June of 2002 she returned to Canada for good and settled in Red Deer where she lived near to her sisters Josephine (Kie) and Francis (Cisy) and their families.  Red Deer also put her close to her siblings in Edmonton, Calgary and Beiseker. 

Els was a devout Catholic whose life reflected her faith through service, humility, and compassion.  She loved animals, especially horses, dogs, and cats and enjoyed spending time outdoors in nature.  She also was an enthusiastic tennis fan, diligently following matches and tournaments on television. 

Els was intelligent, friendly and approachable, someone who would happily stop and chat with anyone she met.  She lived a simple and contented life, not concerned with material things, finding happiness instead in her family, friends, her home, and the many experience life brought her. 

Els was predeceased by her parents, two of her brothers, and four of her sisters. 

She is lovingly remembered by her brother Edmond Verbeek, her sister Antoinette (Netty) Luttikhuis-Verbeek, nieces and nephews and a great many friends and family members. 

Els had a wonderful community of friends where she lived whom she loved dearly and who cared for her until the end of her days. 

A funeral mass will be held at Sacred Heart Parish in Red Deer on March 25, 2026 at 11:00am.

• Date : 0026-12-31
• Location : Red Deer Funeral Home