IRENE VANDEKERKHOVE

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IRENE VANDEKERKHOVE (formerly MURPHY) (nee SCHAUBROECK) March 31, 1933 March 24, 2011 Peacefully, and with her family by her side, Irene passed away at Riverview Health Centre on March 24, 2011 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Irene was born on March 31, 1933 in La Salle, MB. She was the beloved wife of Hilaire Vanderkerkhove, who cared for her during her latest battle with cancer. Irene was predeceased by her parents Rene and Zoe Schaubroeck, brother Raymond Schaubroeck and her first husband William (Bill) Murphy of 40 years. Irene was born on the family farm near La Salle, Manitoba. In 1952, she and Bill were married and began a new homestead near the Schaubroeck home farm. Their family and farm life together started with cattle, then a large poultry operation and in the later years, grain and oilseed crops. In addition to working tirelessly on and around the farm, Irene devoted countless hours to planting, maintaining and enjoying the harvest from her large fruit, vegetable and flower gardens. The Murphy farm was the site of many family gatherings, pool parties and community barbecues. Irene was committed to her family, church, and community. An energetic volunteer, she was involved with many projects in La Salle and the surrounding area. From successfully campaigning to prevent the La Salle School from closing, to playing a leading role in creating the La Salle History Book, Irene could be found at the centre of activity in La Salle. Her volunteer efforts continued when she moved to Winnipeg, where she was an active member of the Adamar Seniors Club. In recognition of her efforts in support of groups and communities, she received many awards, including the Volunteer Service Award from the Province of Manitoba. Irene is survived by her children Brian (wife Brenda), Kathleen Wilson (husband Robert); Kenneth; Keith (wife Lee Anne) and Edward (partner Carole); grandchildren Christopher, Jason (Joelle), Adam; Laura (Ed), David (Leanne) and Kevin; Scott, Michael and Darren and their mother Joyce; Ryan and Brent; Eric, Evan and Shayne and their mother Lorraine; Carole's daughter Layne; and great-grand-children Shawna, Aidan, Damen and Zachary. The family would like to give a special thanks to Hilaire for his dedication to, and care of, Irene during her long battle with cancer. Thanks as well to Hilaire's children Darlene, Brenda, Randy, Judy, Tim and Kevin for making Irene part of their family. In celebration of her life, Funeral Mass will be held Friday, April 1 at Mary Mother of the Church located at 85 Kirkbridge Drive, Winnipeg, MB, with Father Roland Lanoie presiding. Viewing will commence at 10:00 a.m. with the service to follow at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Cancer Care Manitoba Foundation. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.mb.ca Chapel Lawn 885-9715

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 29, 2011