Aaltje "Ali" (Van der Iest) Post

With deep love and gratitude for a life well lived, the family of Aaltje “Ali” Post announces her peaceful passing on March 2, 2026, in Ponoka, Alberta, at the age of 86, surrounded by loved ones.

Ali was born on October 11, 1939, in Grou, Friesland, to Arend Van der Iest and Neeltje Jansma. She was raised on a farm just outside of town as the third of four children, alongside her siblings Froukje Bosga, Gerrit Van der Iest, and Jellie Hielkema. Her parents, avid readers, instilled in her a love of reading, lifelong learning, and community involvement. Growing up during and after World War II shaped her strong belief in human rights, the dignity of all people, and the importance of understanding history and learning from it. The resilience she developed in Friesland remained a defining strength throughout her life.

From a young age, Ali found joy in music and movement. She loved dancing, later in life she sang in her church choir, and learned to play the piano. Music remained a lifelong source of comfort and celebration.

At 15, she began dating the love of her life, Sjoerd Post. After four and a half years of dating, they were married on February 24, 1960, and just last month celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary.

Their first child, Petronella, was born in 1963, followed by Brian in 1967. In 1970, Ali and Sjoerd immigrated to Canada with their young family, settling in Calgary. During these early Canadian years, Ali’s efforts in maintaining a steady home allowed Sjoerd to pursue significant opportunities, including coaching the Canadian National Speed Skating Team overseas in the early 1970s, as well as continuing his own competitive cycling and speed skating pursuits. Her steadfast support was foundational to his career and athletic accomplishments.

Their youngest son, Arend, was born in 1975. Shortly afterward, they moved to Lacombe, Alberta, where they settled into their home. Prior to her retirement, Ali worked as a nursing assistant at the Lacombe Hospital for 17 years, caring for patients while also tending to her family with remarkable dedication.

In the late 1970s and 1980s, Ali volunteered extensively through her church community, supporting Southeast Asian refugee families as they arrived in Canada and helping them settle into their new lives.

In the mid-1980s, she joyfully embraced the title of Beppe as her grandchildren began to arrive. Being a Beppe was one of her greatest joys. Nothing could keep her from being present for the births of her grandchildren, not snowstorms, nor long drives of 18 hours. From birthdays and graduations to dance recitals, she celebrated every milestone and accomplishment, big or small, always present and always proud. She was especially looking forward to meeting her newest great grandchild, due later this month.

In 1992, Ali and Sjoerd moved to an acreage in Morning Meadows, and in 1998 they made Ponoka their permanent home, where she spent her later years.

Ali and Sjoerd shared a love of nature and adventure, raising their children on road trips and camping excursions. In retirement, they continued exploring North America together, travelling as far north as Alaska and as far south as Mexico, and even taking an RV across Canada to Prince Edward Island.

Ali was exceptionally skilled in the fabric arts: knitting, crocheting, and cross-stitching. With loving and skilled hands, she crafted blankets, sweaters, and other treasured keepsakes for her family. A wonderful baker and cook, her meals and desserts were loved by all. She possessed remarkable comedic timing and delighted family and friends with her quick wit and perfectly delivered punchlines. A natural storyteller, she faithfully passed down family history to younger generations and often remarked how she could see pieces of older generations of family in her children and grandchildren.

Though she built her life in Canada, her love for Friesland never faded. She remained deeply connected to her siblings, nieces, and nephews in the Netherlands and France. She carried her Frisian heritage with pride, sharing her language and traditions, and was always thrilled when friends and family visited Canada or when she and Sjoerd were able to return to the Netherlands.

Music and worship brought her comfort and joy throughout her life and continued to do so even in her final days. Her last days were filled with laughter, music, and the presence of her family. Though Alzheimer’s altered many things, her spirit endured.

Ali will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Sjoerd; her children, Petra Bierkos-Post, Brian Post (Iwa), and Arend Post (Claire); her grandchildren, Callista Bierkos, Arielle Fortin (Nico), Schuyler Bierkos, Gabrielle Wilton (Matthew), Eli Post, Leah (Dylan) Billey, and Nathan Post; her great-grandchildren, Alexander, Abigail, Michael (Wilton), Aurora, Tayelle, Willow, and Elowyn (Fortin); as well as her siblings and extended family in the Netherlands and France.

She will be remembered for her deep devotion to family, her strong spirit and tenacity, her humour, and her enduring love. Her life stands as a testament to strength, resilience, and joy.

So we say: Ali, wy hâlde foar altyd fan dy. Oant wy inoar wer sjogge. (Ali, we love you forever, until we see one another again)

We warmly invite you to Celebrate Ali’s Life on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Sonrise Christian Reformed Church, followed by interment at Ponoka Cemetery and a reception.

A Public Visitation will be held on Friday March 06, 2026 from 6-7:00 pm at Wilson's Funeral Chapel in Lacombe, Alberta.

Livestreaming of the Service can be found with the following link: https://www.sonriseponoka.com/services

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests donations to MOSAIC or the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Aaltje "Ali" (Van der Iest) Post, please visit our floral store.