GESINA "SINI" ERINGFELD, of Coaldale, beloved wife of the late Ben Eringfeld, passed away peacefully with loving family members at her side at St. Michael's Health Centre on Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at the age of 88 years.
Sini is survived by her seven children; Marylin (Rob) Hansum, Cecile Dixon, Frances Judson, Albert (Gina) Eringfeld, Angela (Marshall Cox) Eringfeld, Carmen (Chris) Little and Patricia (Scott) Walls. She is also survived by thirteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, as well as two sisters, Annie Schuttenbeld and Ria Degger and brother Ben Nollen
Besides her beloved husband Ben, Sini was predeceased by her son-in-law Keith Judson, her parents Johannes and Maria Nollen and five brothers.
Mom was born Gesina Maria Nollen, on January 29th, 1934 in Tubbergen, Netherlands and was raised on the family farm in Zenderen. She remembered her childhood fondly and the love of a close family of faith. That love and faith stood the family well during the darkest days of the occupation. Mom met the love of her life, Ben, and was married on April 20th, 1960. The next day, they left to pursue Dad's dream of farming in Canada. Canada provided its usual welcome with a raging blizzard upon their arrival. Their marriage would last 52 years.
The two started farming outside Coalhurst but after a few years, established their home and farm just east of Coaldale until retirement. Dad was known for the high quality of pigs that he produced. Mom was known for the warmth and hospitality of her home. Mom was also remembered as the "Cucumber Lady" for many years and that revenue contributed to several family trips that included Disneyland and Holland. Together, they raised their seven children in a home of love and faith, much like the home she was raised in.
Even with the many demands of raising a large family and a busy farm, Sini was devoted to her faith and was a member of the Catholic Women's League for 49 years. She served as CWL President at St. Ambrose, from 1988 to 1990 and was presented with the prestigious Maple Leaf Pin for her exceptional service.
Mom and Dad enjoyed the opportunity to travel to Holland, New Zealand, Mexico, a much-enjoyed Alaskan Cruise and frequent road trips into Montana and BC. Sini made pilgrimages to Fatima, Lourdes and Rome. After Ben passed, she enjoyed many road trips with her daughters. The one trip that she remembered most fondly was when she took her grandchildren to San Diego.
A Prayer Service will be held at ST. AMBROSE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1513 - 23rd Avenue, Coaldale, AB, on Monday, December 19th, 2022 at 7:00 P.M. with Father Ian Gagn? officiating.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. AMBROSE CATHOLIC CHURCH on Tuesday, December 20th, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Ian Gagn? celebrating.
Interment to follow in the Coaldale Community Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made in memory of Sini to the Heart and Stroke Foundation (heartandstroke.ca) or the Canadian Cancer Society (cancer.ca)
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