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Obituary ~ Maria Helena Babcock (Ridderhof), 1923-2009
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Editor’s note: the following obituary is published as told by granddaughter Kristel Laderoute.
Maria Helena Babcock was born into a family of 12 in Enschede, Holland June 4, 1923.
At the tender age of 22 she met a man who would prove to be the love of her life, William Babcock. Bill, as most knew him, was stationed in Holland for some time before the end of the war. Maria lived down the street from where Bill was staying so each day he would sneak a peek at this beautiful young woman as he was out hanging his laundry. From the very first time he saw her he told his friends, “That one is mine!”
It took very little time for the two to arrange to meet and realize they were destined to be together. They danced their way through every dance hall they could find. So much dancing, in fact, that Bill had to have his shoes resoled several times.
Then it came time for Bill to return to his home in Canada. Not able to bear the thought of living without one another, William and Maria decided to get married. On Dec. 22, 1945 they said their vows to love and honour one another.
Bill returned to Canada to prepare a home for Maria’s arrival and while doing so almost cut off his own leg with an axe. Limping to Edmonton, he went to welcome his new bride home. The couple started with a very modest shack in Salt Prairie where Bill’s family had a homestead. In November 1947 they welcomed their first child, a daughter, Nancy, and one year later almost to the day they welcomed their son, James.
The couple raised their children in Salt Prairie where they farmed. When faced with the opportunity to raise James’ two oldest children, James Jr. and Apryl, they opened their arms and their home to them and adopted them as their own. They continued to farm with the help of their son, James, and son-in-law Ron Fisher.
As more grandchildren started to arrive, the family traditions began to fall into place. Things like every Friday night the entire family would get together to eat supper and watch Dallas at Grandma and Grandpa’s. Grandma would make us all a special treat like her lemon poppyseed cake or chocolate cake with buttercream icing. Every holiday was celebrated around an enormous table filled with Grandma’s delicious cooking and dessert treats. She was never afraid to experiment with her cooking and often surprised us with a new dish.
Everyone was always welcome in her kitchen. Everyday at same time you would find her sitting with one leg tucked under her bottom at the end of the table peeling potatoes. I remember the smell of her fried chicken bubbling in the pan and wondering how she made it taste so good. How she used to make huge batches of bread by hand and let us help her punch it down. When it came time to actually eat, if we were old enough, we were taught how to set the table, properly I might add or she would fix it.
As the years went on our weekly family gatherings switched to Sundays instead of Fridays and everyone would show up for supper and visit until it was time to get the kids to bed. These were such special gatherings. Not only did we get to spend time with our cousins but we got to listen to Grandpa’s stories and visit with Grandma while she cooked and as we helped with the dishes. I think we all took for granted how lucky we were to have such a close family.
In 2005 it became apparent that Bill and Mary should be closer to town and the hospitals. They moved into Pleasantview Lodge where they had the chance to reconnect with several old friends. They enjoyed their time with family and friends who visited. Maria especially enjoyed children.
In July 2007 Bill passed away after a lengthy health battle, leaving Maria on her own for the first time in almost 62 years. It suddenly became very clear how much Bill had done for her during their time at the lodge. Maria’s health began to deteriorate and she ended up in the hospital. After several tests doctors found a large cyst that needed to be removed. After its removal, Maria never quite fully recovered.
On Sept. 20th, 2009, Maria went to reunite with her beloved husband with her daughter Nancy and granddaughter Kristel at her side.
Maria is predeceased by her parents, husband Bill, son James, son-in-law Ron and many siblings in Holland.
She leaves behind her daughter Nancy, adopted children James (Jamie) and Apryl (Lorne), four grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and one great -great-granddaughter.
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