ANNE-MARIE VAN WALLEGHEM (DE BAETS)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ANNE-MARIE VAN WALLEGHEM (nee DE BAETS) September 30, 1920 - June 29, 2008. Mom's courageous battle with cancer ended on June 29, 2008 at Riverview Centre. Born to Theophile and Augusta (Beernaerts) De Baets, she was the fifth of ten children, and the first to be born in Canada at Swan Lake, MB on September 30, 1920. Mom is survived by her husband of 65 years, Michael, and their three children and their families; son Wayne (Leonne), children Michelle (Greg Deger), Cory (Theresa); son Bob (Betty), children Robbie, Stephen, Danny, Erin (Travis Dietrich); daughter Betty Seol, children Elana (Tino Sacino) and Ivory. Great-grandchildren Daylen and Finley Dietrich. Mom is also survived by brother Jerry (Elsie) De Baets, sisters Adrienne Gagnon, Julia Guilbault, and Germaine Willson, brothers-in-law George and Gerard Van Walleghem S.J., sisters-in-law Yvonne and Anita Van Walleghem, 50 nieces and nephews and many cousins and relatives. Predeceased by brothers and sisters-in-law Adoph (Ruth) and Armand (Marguerite), sister Aleda De Baets, sisters and brothers-in-law Mary (Phillip) Grift, Martha (Camile) VandeVyvere, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Jerome, Lucien (Bea), Gerry (Alma), Julien and sister-in-law Helen Van Walleghem. Mom loved her family with her whole heart and was the definition of a home-maker. She presided over all aspects of the Cambridge Dairy farmhouse, gardened, canned, lovingly tended her beautiful flowers, kept an immaculate home and was an amazing cook, (especially her apple pies, chocolate log cakes and other Belgium specialties). Mom also spent hundreds of hours volunteering at the Red Cross, Misericordia Hospital flower shop, CWL, PTA, Darjeeling Club, Roses, and many other organizations at St. Ignatius Church. Special thanks to Palliative Care Manitoba, Riverview 3E, and student nurse Carmen, who really connected with mom and the family, and to Dr. Gregan who was more than a doctor and took the time to call and visit mom many times. The neighbours, (especially the Pierrard and the McGarry families) who were there for mom whenever they were needed. Thank you. Thank you also to granddaughters Michelle, who called or visited every day during mom's last weeks and shared lunches with mom often before, Elana who was very close with her Gramika forever and flew in from Edmonton twice in the last few weeks, and Ivory who showed up every day at 7:30 a.m. to let her mom go home, and to whom Grandma passed on her pie making abilities. And especially to son Bob who has taken mom to every doctor's appointment and most importantly, to her Friday 1:00 hair appointment with Madeline, and to daughter Betty Ann who talked to mom several times daily and spent most evenings with her. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba or Canadian Jesuits International (1325 Bay St. Toronto, ON M5R 2C4 Attn: Fr. Gerard Van Walleghem S.J.) A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 24 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Ignatius Church, (Stafford and Corydon) officiated by Fr. Gerard Van Walleghem S.J. We will always love and miss you. Rest in peace. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald St. 253-5086

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 19, 2008