Peacefully, surrounded by loving family on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Hospice, Martha Hendrika Fracalanza passed away at the age of 88. Reunited with her husband Flaviano, her son Carl and grandson Anthony. Loving mother of Greg (Carolyn) Fracalanza, Linda (the late Ron) Fracalanza, Liz Molson and Wayne Fracalanza. Cherished grandma of Brett (Lynnea), Karly (Cam), Jennifer, Melissa, Christian, Caitlin, Alexandra and great grandma to Rowan and a baby boy on the way. Dear sister of John (Anne) VandenHoven, Adrian (Monica) VandenHoven, Mary Fraser (Kelly), Theresa (the late Herman) Naus, Bill VandenHoven and Nelly Hyde (Mike). Treasured aunt and friend to many. Predeceased by her parents Adrianus and Elizabeth VandenHoven, and siblings Riekie (Ray) Wiendels and Gerda (Frans) Weisscher. Martha was born in the Netherlands, where her family fostered her creative roots. She was an excellent seamstress, designing and modeling her own clothes, and knitted. Martha studied art and enjoyed oil painting. She and Flaviano emigrated to Canada, where they started a family of their own. Martha thrived in her role as a mother, always making sure there was an excellent home cooked meal on the table and that all her children arrived at their extracurricular activities on time, even if the drive itself was precarious. She made sure that her children were provided with every opportunity available. This was only amplified when she became a grandmother, helping to raise and support all her grandchildren. Martha was also a powerful advocate when a cause was close to her heart. She was instrumental in fetal alcohol syndrome awareness; and she was a co-founder of Victims of the Chemical Valley. In her spare time, Martha travelled extensively across Europe. She also enjoyed quiet moments with family, friends and her Tuesday Coffee Club. Martha will be remembered for her dynamic personality, abundant energy and motherly embrace. She will be deeply missed. Martha’s family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved in caring for her over the last few years, including the staff at Bear Creek Terrace, Afton Nursing Home, Bluewater Health – Palliative Care, St. Joseph’s Hospice and Dr. MacSweeney. Family and friends will be received at Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia, on Monday, April 20, 2026 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. with prayers being offered at 7:30 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, 390 Christina St N, Sarnia, on Tuesday, April 21, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow in Our Lady of Mercy Cemetery, Sarnia, ON. Sympathy may be expressed through donations to St. Joseph’s Hospice (cheques only at the funeral home please).
