Els "Oma" VanderStappen

Els VanderStappen, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on May 13, 2023, at her home in Ogden, UT, surrounded by her loving family. Her legacy of love and warmth will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

Elisabeth Habraken was born on June 25, 1932, in Tilburg, Netherlands. On December 19, 1957, she married Gos VanderStappen. Els and Gos embarked on a new journey when they immigrated to Ogden, UT, where they built a beautiful life together.

Els was not only a devoted wife but also an exceptional mother. Her nurturing spirit and unwavering support were felt by her three children, Ron, Nancy, and Cindy, who were truly blessed to call her "Mom." Her love extended beyond her immediate family, as she embraced the role of "Oma" to her six grandchildren. She cherished every moment she spent with them, creating lifelong memories and instilling in them the values of love, kindness, and resilience.

As a great-grandmother, Els delighted in the joys of four great-grandchildren. She relished in their laughter and stories, leaving an indelible imprint on their lives.

Els will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, love for sweets, impeccable clothing and her knack for making everyone around her feel cherished and valued. Her warm smile could brighten even the cloudiest of days, and her selflessness and compassion knew no bounds. She possessed a genuine interest in others, always offering a listening ear and a comforting word.

Els not only impacted the lives of her family, but of all those who knew her. She welcomed friends into her home and always had a pot of coffee and a sweet treat to share.  If you left her home hungry it wasn’t for lack of trying on her part. Els was always dressed to the nines and made friends wherever she went.

As we bid farewell to Els VanderStappen, we carry her memory in our hearts, forever grateful for the love and light she bestowed upon us. While her physical presence may be gone, her spirit will continue to guide and inspire us in the years to come. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and unwavering devotion that will forever be treasured.

Els is survived by her husband, Gos; daughters, Nancy (Bob) Emenger and Cindy (Mat) Doebler; daughter-in-law, Mauree VanderStappen; her six grandchildren, Amber, Chris, Robby, Thomas, Connor, and Addison and her four great grandchildren, Ivvy-Els, Noah, Bostyn, and Liam.  She is also survived by her brothers, Arnold Habraken and Andrew Habraken.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Ron VanderStappen; and granddaughter, Angelina Doebler.

Funeral mass will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 2 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 514 24^th Street. Friends may visit with family on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lindquist’s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. A Rosary will be held on Saturday at 1:30 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch, 1718 Combe Rd.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Els VanderStappen's memory to St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School Building Fund, 2980 Quincy Ave, Ogden, UT 84401.

We will forever remember and honor Oma, a remarkable woman who touched our lives with love, kindness, and grace. May her soul find eternal peace, and may her memory continue to be a guiding light in our lives.

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