WARTA

Jean Warta of Rimbey, Alberta was born Jantje de Jong on April 4, 1931, at Eindhoven, Holland, to Hilly and Gerrit de Jong, whom she adored.  With great sadness, Jean’s family announces her passing at the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre on Monday, May 12, 2025, at the age of 94 years. 

Jean grew up in Holland with her two brothers Seine and Albertus during World War II.  If they were eating soup when the bombing started, plaster fell into their soup, meaning no supper that night.  After the war, she met and fell in love with Pieter “Peter” Warta, whom she married. 

Their first child, a daughter named Hilary, arrived in 1954.  Three years later, they immigrated to Canada with only $75.00 to their name. They settled in Rimbey, Alberta, where they purchased a cozy little house, which they would live in for the remainder of their days.  It was a very comfy nest for them and their children.  After Hilary came two more daughters, Trudy and Jane, and their desire for a son was fulfilled when they were blessed with the birth of John.

Jantje, wishing to be more Canadian, modified her name to Jean.  She was a volunteer with Family and Community Support Services and was very involved with the church.  Having a beautiful voice, Jean sang in the choir.  Her love of singing was also evident in her home where she was often heard singing.  Jean was also active in several bible classes, and she knew her bible well – from cover to cover.  It was awe-inspiring to discuss her faith with her.  Jean was soft-spoken and humble, making it easy to go to her and tell her your troubles.  Being an excellent listener, she did not judge and offered sage advice.  She had a love for quilting and produced numerous beautiful works.  Jean’s garden was also a joy with abundant flowers, and she produced buckets of raspberries which she picked each summer.  As a couple, Jean and Peter enjoyed travelling and ventured by car across much of Canada.  These adventures resulted in many interesting stories in later years.

Jean was dearly loved and will be sorely missed by her family in Canada and in Holland.  She is survived by her children Hilary, Trudy (Leonard), Jane (Ad), and John (Koreen); along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews in Canada and in Holland; as well as several extended family members and many friends.  Jean was predeceased by her parents; her beloved husband Peter; and her two brothers. 

A  Graveside Service in Celebration of Jean’s Life will be held at the West Haven Cemetery, Rimbey on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., with Pastor Ken Vanderploeg officiating.  She will be laid to rest in the Columbarium alongside her loving husband.  With a shared love with Peter for dogs, memorial donations in Jean’s memory may be made directly to Saving Grace Animal Society, Box 852, Alix, Alberta  T0C 0B0 (www.savinggracecanada.com).  Thoughts and messages to the family may be shared through the condolence area located at the bottom of this page.    

Service and Cremation Arrangements for the Late Jantje “Jean” Warta entrusted to the care of