Obituary of Maartje "Mary" Eikelenboom-Bancroft

EIKELENBOOM – BANCROFT, Maartje “Mary” – age 93, of Shubenacadie, passed away peacefully at Cedarstone Enhanced Care, Truro. Born in Diemen, N.H. Holland, she was a daughter of the late Cornelius and Maritje (Brouwer) Ooms.

Mary met her future husband Gus after the war and they wed in 1950. They emigrated to Canada in 1951, settling in Blomidon, Nova Scotia, where they worked for George Chase. Mary and Gus then worked for the Morine Farm in Port Williams. In 1953 they began working for Stirling’s Apples in Greenwich and opened the Sterling’s Apple Stand in Milford in 1955. In June 1956 they purchased the Ern Irving Dairy Farm in Shubenacadie, which they ran successfully for 22 years. They retired and enjoyed winters in Florida and traveled extensively. After Gus’ death Mary remarried Wyman Bancroft and had 10 more happy years before his passing.  Mary was known for her strong work ethic, quick wit, determined personality and her pride in being Dutch.  She enjoyed sewing, handiwork, oil painting, rug hooking, gardening and flowers.  She was a member of the Shubenacadie United Church and the UCW.  Mary was most proud of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary-Ann (Steve) Yuill, son, John (Amber) Eikelenboom; stepsons Brian (Janine) Bancroft, Greg (Barb) Bancroft; grandchildren, Scott Yuill, Anthony (Nicki) Eikelenboom, Merilee (Steve) Kalyta and Andrew Eikelenboom; six great grandchildren; sister Greetje Ooms; brother-in-law Joop (Guurtje) Eikelenboom; special niece Jo-anne van Oostrum and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husbands, Gus Eikelenboom and Wyman Bancroft; grandson, John Edward Eikelenboom, step-son Dale Bancroft; brother Luit Ooms.

 Visitation will be held 6-8pm, Friday, November 23, 2018 in Ettinger Funeral Home, 2812 Highway 2, Shubenacadie, from where funeral service will be held 2pm, Saturday, Rev. Martin Reid officiating. Live stream of the service will begin at 1:55pm  AST http://distantlink.com/ettingers.html 

Reception to follow in the funeral home hospitality area. Interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Family flowers only, memorial donations may be made Canadian Cancer Society or the Shubenacadie United Church.

Special thanks to the wonderful staff at Cedarstone for the exceptional care given to Oma.

Condolences, words of comfort and memories of Mary may be shared with the family at: www.ettingerfuneralhome.com