Hedy Olga Erkamp (Mollenkopf) was born in 1937 in Hines Creek, Alberta, and passed June 20, 2024, in Edmonton, Alberta.
Hedy grew up on a farm with her parents and three siblings. When not helping out with farm chores, Hedy spent her free time as an avid reader as well as a skilled ping-pong player. She moved to Edmonton in her teens and began a career as a bookkeeper. Not long after, Hedy met the love of her life, Bill Erkamp, and they were married in 1956. They moved to Camrose and had their first child, Bob, in 1957, followed by Cindy in 1959, Martin in 1961, David in 1962, and Jacalyn in 1964.
Eventually they moved to Edmonton, and Hedy kept very busy raising five children, while Bill spent many weeks away, traveling for work. She was an amazing cook and ran a tight household. Hedy and Bill purchased a hobby farm and spent most summer weekends enjoying country life while growing lots of vegetables and berries. In the colder months, you would more likely find them playing bridge with many of their dear friends. Hedy and Bill were also blessed to experience trips to Europe, Mexico, Bermuda, and Costa Rica, as well as some cruises around the Caribbean.
Most will fondly remember Hedy as a gentle matriarch of her family. She had a quiet intelligence, deep inner strength, and was very dedicated to her family and friends.
Hedy is survived by her son, Bob, and his wife, Conni; her son, David, and his wife, Joyce; her son, Martin; her daughter, Jacalyn, and her husband, Rick; her niece, Tracy, and her husband, Brad; and her sister-in-law, Marlene; as well as six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and numerous other nieces and nephews in Canada and the Netherlands. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Hedy was a private person who did not like to be the center of attention. Per her wishes, there will be no memorial. As Hedy was both a gardener and avid bird watcher, all who wish to honor her life may consider planting a tree or hanging a bird house in her memory.
Arrangements entrusted to Foster & McGarvey Downtown Funeral Home.