Obituary of Gerda Maria Ibel

IBEL, Gerda Maria - Ã? formerly of Falmouth Hants Co. passed away in Northwood Centre Halifax on Friday, April 8, 2011, at age 95. Maria was born in the Netherlands, daughter of the late Gerrit and Adriana (Korteweg) Alberts. With her husband, Johan - John쳌, daughter, Adriana Elisabeth and son, Jan Gerrit - Jack쳌, they emigrated from Arnhem, the Netherlands, arriving on the Aquitania on August 9, 1949, at Pier 21 in Halifax. The family was sponsored by Earl Loomer of Loomer?¢s Greenhouses in Falmouth. Starting a new life in Canada brought many new adventures. Maria loved to grow flowers all her life, selling them at the Halifax Market, from their home in Falmouth and later in Three Mile Plains. Several cats and dogs over her lifetime were a big part of Maria's animal family. She is survived by daughter, Adriana (John) Speelman, East Lawrencetown; sons, Jan Gerrit - Jack쳌 (Marilyn McAvoy),Ã? Halifax; Robert (Kathy),Ã? Ottawa; grandchildren, John and Kevin Speelman; Steven Ibel andÃ? Eloise (Ibel) Smith; Suzanne and Karen Ibel; great- granddaughter, Haley Smith. Maria was predeceased by her husband, Johan - John쳌; her sister, Maria Adriana - Rita쳌 Allen. The family would like to thank the staff at Northwood Centre, 8th floor, for the excellent care received by their mother. A funeral service will be held at the Serenity Lindsay Funeral Home, 192 Commercial Street,Ã? Berwick NS, B0P 1E0, (902-538-9900), on Tuesday, May 17 at 2 p.m., with Rev. Brenda Nesbitt officiating. Donations in her memory may be made to the S.P.C.A. Condolences may be sent to the family at the funeral home address or on line by visiting www.serenitylindsayfuneralhome.ca