Pieternella Beatrix Van de Merwe

On January 26, in the early morning hours, Pieternella Beatrix Vande Merwe, lovingly known by all as Bea’, passed away due to a Covid related illness. She was living with one of her nieces who was also by her side when she passed away. Bea was born on September 29, 1936, in Dordrecht, Holland. She was the 8th child in a loving family. She left behind her brother Bill Vande Merwe and his wife Janice, sister-in-law Donna Vande Merwe (brother Joe’s wife) and foster son Gerry and Jean Starks and children. Anxiously waiting for her were her brothers Piet and wife Marie, John and wife Gladys, Steve and wife Klazine, Joe, and Adrian. Also her sisters Corrie and husband Stephen Asmus and Lien and husband Dahl Goble.

Bea’ grew up in Holland and at the age of 10 she immigrated to America with her family, where they settled in Salt Lake City.. The reason they immigrated was because they were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and their father wanted them to be sealed as a family in the Salt Lake temple. Especially since they had just survived the depression that hit Holland, followed by WW2.

She enjoyed schooling here in America and graduated from West High School. Upon graduation she served her 1st mission to Holland. When she returned home she continued her education and she graduated from Utah State University with a Degree in Education. She taught at an Elementary School and a Jr. High School , both in Wendover and finished her teaching at Highland High School in Salt Lake City. After she retired she served her 2nd mission to South Carolina. She had many callings in her church including Ward Relief Society President and Stake Relief Society President. She also served as a guest Missionary on Temple Square and at the Conference Center. Though she loved all her missions her time as the Guest Missionary was her favorite.

She was loved by all who knew her. Although she never married or had children of her own, her school children and her many nieces and nephews filled her life! She was generous, kind, and loving to all who knew her. A true daughter of God . A good example of faith, courage, and love.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 30, 2021 at the Cannon 9th Ward church house at 1250 West 1400 South, in Salt Lake City, where a viewing will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. with the funeral service to begin at 11:00 a.m.  Masks are mandatory. Please help to not spread the virus.

The funeral services will be broadcast live on the Russon Brothers Mortuary Facebook page at:  https://www.facebook.com/russonmortuary/

Our dear Tante (Aunt) Bea’ will be so greatly missed by so many. Tante Bea’ we will meet again ”on the other side of the sea.” Tot ziens, het alle beste!