Ellen Jane Vander Woude

Ellen Vander Woude (née Vanderkloet) passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 at the age of 60 years.

Ellen will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 35 years, Rick; children, Rachel (Roland) Weisbrot of Medicine Hat & Sam Vander Woude of Calgary; siblings, Irene of Edmonton, Richard (Ellen) of Brampton, Kathy of Toronto, Ed of St. John's, Peter (Diane) of London, ON & Chris (Steve) of Grand Rapids, MI; nieces and nephews, Marya, Marcel (Jenn), Reuben, Evelien, Abigail, Jacob, Victor, Margo (Hudson), Stella, Natalie & Matthew; and many extended family across Canada and the US. Ellen was expecting her and Rick's first grandchild in February 2026. She is predeceased by her parents, Edward and Truus Vanderkloet.

Ellen was born in Sarnia, Ontario and grew up in Rexdale (Toronto) as the second-youngest of seven children. After graduating grade 13, she moved across the country to Edmonton to attend the King’s College. She was one of the first four official graduates of the school, completing a Bachelor of Arts specializing in Music in 1987 and receiving the Governor General’s award. King’s is also where she met Rick, and they were married on July 7, 1990. She worked for Ed-Tel for several years as a Special Services Clerk, and then she and Rick moved to Lethbridge in 1995. Here she worked in the administration office for Lethbridge Community College. In Lethbridge, Rick and Ellen also had their two children, Rachel (1997) and Sam (1998). In late 2000, they moved to Calgary for Rick’s work and have lived there ever since. Ellen spent the better half of two decades as a stay-at-home mom, homeschooling her kids from kindergarten all the way to grade 12. She then worked at Canadian Home Education Resources, a curriculum supply store, where she was able to serve with both a natural talent for organization/management and her considerable experience with homeschooling. Ellen was also devoted to the CRC church in many capacities, including leading Sunday School for over a decade. Her faith was unshakeable, and she is undoubtedly at rest with Jesus.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Emmanuel Ministries at Emmanuel Christian Reformed Church.

A private family Graveside Service will take place at Edenbrook Memorial Gardens.

A Funeral Service will be held for Ellen at Emmanuel Christian Reformed Church (3020 - 51 Street SW, Calgary) on Monday, December 1, 2025 at 1:00 pm.