IRENE EDNA MYRTLE DE GRAVE (VANDEKERKHOVE)

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IRENE EDNA MYRTLE DE GRAVE (nee VANDEKERKHOVE) Sadly on November 18, 2008 in Chilliwack, B.C., Mom passed away peacefully from this life into the hands of our Lord, at the age of 82, surrounded by the love of her children and grandchildren. She will be deeply missed by her children Marcel, Lorraine (John), Julian Jr. (Glenda), Robert (Beverly), Lawrence (Tracy) and Raymond (Diane). Also left to mourn her passing are her grandchildren David (Liane), Renea (Peter), Jim, John (Tanis), Jana (Gunner), Raymond, Marla, Ryan, Alana, Rory, Kyle, Garett, and Rhys (Katherine) and 11 great-grandchildren. Mom was predeceased by her loving daughter (Linda) Irene Vaughn, her parents Achiel and Valentine VanDeKerkhove, her sister Paula Dejonckere and brothers Robert and Gaston VanDeKerkhove. She is survived by two sisters, Esther Dubbert and Mary Malbranck, and brother Hilaire VanDeKerkhove, as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Mom grew up in Iles Des Chenes, MB and as a little girl she enjoyed her life on the farm. Mom's life revolved around home, family and friends. At the age of 45, Mom moved to Burnaby, B.C., and was employed with Canada Post. She advanced quickly during her employment, taking many courses and making many lasting friendships. She worked beyond her retirement age, often returning to assist in her area whenever asked. Mom had many wonderful collections, including pins, spoons, roosters and her Swarovski crystals. Mom belonged to the crystal club and travelled to Amsterdam to see first hand how these were made. Mom also loved to travel and made many trips to Phoenix and Winnipeg to visit with her family. During these trips she would either bring or make some of our favourite things, such as homemade soup and bread. We also loved to receive her homemade peanut brittle at Christmas. In giving of herself, Mom supported many different charities over the years and cared for elderly friends. Mom was known as the Skip-Bo Queen , as she loved to play this card game with family and friends. She enjoyed reading and doing crossword puzzles. Mom never went anywhere without her grey cap. She would want all her family and friends to celebrate her life with the memories we all have of her. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Chilliwack Hospital for their care. According to her wishes, cremation has taken place. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, December 1, 2008 at Glen Lawn Funeral Home, 455 Lagimodiere Blvd., (south of the Royal Canadian Mint) in Winnipeg. Interment will follow the ceremony. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Canadian Cancer Society Manitoba Division, 193 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 2B7. GLEN LAWN FUNERAL HOME 982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 28, 2008