Mappie Van Der Stelt

Maatje van der Stelt, lovingly known as “Mappie,” passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 24, 2026 at the age of 85. Born on April 12, 1941, in Maassluis, Netherlands, she remained a proud Dutch woman throughout her life and often spoke fondly of her beloved mom and dad, always referred to as Oma and Opa, and her upbringing in Holland.

In 1973, Mappie immigrated to Canada with her children, eventually settling in Calgary, Alberta after falling in love with the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Alberta and British Columbia became places close to her heart, where she and her late husband, John Noordhof, spent many years camping, travelling, and later serving as campsite hosts during their retirement years. Together, they cherished the mountains, nature, and the quiet beauty of the outdoors.

Mappie was deeply artistic and creative, with hands that were rarely still. A talented seamstress in her earlier years, she had once dreamed of becoming a hairdresser, but her creativity found expression in many forms throughout her life. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, cross-stitching, paper quilling, painting, and countless other crafts. Family and friends were often gifted handmade clothing, Christmas decorations, artwork, and lovingly crafted keepsakes that reflected both her talent and generous spirit.

She also had a lifelong love for animals, especially her dogs, who brought her companionship and joy throughout the years: Rover, Bootsie, Brandy, Mickey, Teddy, Mischa, Sasha, and Lily. She also had a deep love for flowers and birds.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Robin de Groot (Debby), Desiree de Groot, Ronald de Groot (Maureen), and Ursula Jordaan (Rebecca); her stepchildren, Brad Noordhof (Michele) and Loren Noordhof, recently widowed from Wilma; and her grandchildren; Melissa van Mil (Mitch), Samantha Keith (Graham), Jonathon Noordhof (Jen), Romy and Hailey de Groot; plus extended great grandchildren.

She will be remembered for her creativity, her love of nature and animals, and the many beautiful things she created with her hands and heart.

A memorial will be announced in the future.