MARY GEORGINA KESTELOOT (SYS)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MARY GEORGINA KESTELOOT (nee SYS) It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Mary Kesteloot, peacefully at her residence, with her family by her side on Sunday, January 30, 2011. Mom leaves behind to mourn her passing her beloved husband of 57 years, Andy, her children: Donna (Ken) Anderson, Laurie (David) Dungey; grandchildren: Anita (Chris) Van Kats, Lisa (Shawn) Litman and Justin Dungey; great-grandchildren: Matthew, Emily and Joshua Van Kats and Isabella Litman; her sister Esther Vermeersch, her brother George (Camilla) Sys; brother-in-law David Poole; brothers and sisters-in-law: Maurice (Emma) Kesteloot, Marie-Therese Kesteloot, George (Simone) Kesteloot, Madeleine (Rene) Walraeve, Irene (Bernie) Groot Koerkamp, Noella (Marcel) De Walle, Lutgarde (Gilbert) De Nolf, Yvonne (Gilbert) Derycke, Annie Prophete, Monique (Andre) Balanck, Jean (Lilliane) Kesteloot and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Camiel and Amandina Sys; her sisters Irene Sys, Jeanette Gheeraert, Marguerite De Baets and Audrey Poole; brothers-in-law Armand De Baets, Jules Gheeraert, Homer Vermeersch, Marcel Verschoore, Roger Lobbestael, Andre Roets and Franz Prophete. Mom's life began in Grande Pointe, Manitoba, born on the homestead on February 11, 1924. These hardy beginnings laid the path for her to work extremely hard all her life as she took pride in the accomplishments achieved from her efforts. She absolutely loved the farm, fiercely loved her family and enjoyed being outdoors. Mom was the very best kind of mother, as well as a loving wife and perfect grandmother and great-grandmother. Nothing ever came before her family. Her home was open to everyone who was fortunate enough to land on her doorstep. Deeply religious, and never too busy to lend a hand to others, these character traits led to a lifelong journey of volunteering within her church and her community. Her other passions were her beloved gardens, baking and dancing Monday afternoons away with Dad at the Legion. Later when Mom and Dad moved to St. Vital she planted a garden at her sister Audrey's farm in Grande Pointe in addition to the ones she had in her backyard. She was a member of the St. Francis Catholic Women's League; the Belgian Club Women's Group and volunteered for Folklorama and Kermis Week yearly at the Belgian Club. She enjoyed taking care of her family as well as everyone else's and she did so with great love and devotion. She also took pleasure in traveling with Dad and their good friends, George and Martha Kucera. Our family would like to thank Olga and Naomi for the kind and tender care they provided to Mom with the support they gave us during her illness. Our deepest, most grateful thanks to Dr. Lipschitz and his team, Margaret and Liz. Huge thanks to the entire staff of angels on GH3 at the Health Sciences Centre. To Lanka and Dr. Cummings, we will never, ever forget your enormous kindness and patience in putting up with us. How could it ever be possible to convey such thanks? Mom was greatly loved by so many everywhere and had absolutely the kindest of hearts. Throughout her entire life she led gently by example as we attempt to continue on with these many heartfelt traditions. For these things and the treasure she was, it has been a mighty large blessing to have had her in our lives. God speed Mom. In our broken hearts forever, until we see you again. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, February 3 at 11:00 a.m. in Christ the King Church, 847 St. Mary's Road. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mom's memory to the WRHA Palliative Care Program, 8th Floor, 409 Tache Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2H 2A6. 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 Feb 02, 2011