SIMONE MARY AMELIA VAN DAMME (MASON)

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SIMONE MARY AMELIA VAN DAMME (nee MASON) It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Simone Van Damme on November 1, 2011 at Kin Place in Oakbank, MB surrounded by her family. Simone was born on September 29, 1916 in Makinak, MB. She was predeceased by her husband Bazil in 1973, son Louie in 1954, and son Mark in 1988. Left to mourn her memory are: daughter Georgina (Robert) Hutlet, and son Napoleon (Doris); grandchildren: Stephen (Christine) Hutlet, Cyndi (Elliot) Hawthorne, Tami (Paul) Human, Candace (Jason) Blundell, Tannis (Blaine) Sitarz and Matthew Van Damme; great-grandchildren Joshua and Cody Hutlet, Tyler and Brandon Hawthorne, Robert, Chantal and Hope Human, and Dane and Avery Blundell. She is also survived by her brother William Mason, sisters-in-law Irene and Isabelle Van Damme, and Sue Chouinard along with numerous nieces and nephews. Mom was born and raised in Makinak, MB. In 1945 she married Bazil and settled on a farm near Baldur, MB. She chose a career in education, teaching in several schools over the years. Her first teaching position was in Compeau School in St. Alphonse, then Makinak School, St. Gustave in Bruxelles, Leonarde School in Pine Falls, Thor School in Baldur and finally Baldur Elementary School until her retirement in 1980. Mom was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was generous with her time, love and kindness and everyone who knew her felt connected to her. Her family will remember her for her never ending support and thoughtfulness. She never missed a special occasion or event for her family. Going to the farm was a special time because of her, and everyone always felt welcomed. She was known for many years as Mama as she felt like a second mother to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were always excited to see her. Her house was filled with many of her artistic talents, from knitted and crocheted articles to ceramic pieces and beautiful paintings displayed throughout the house (which she took great pride in). She was also an active community member and was always ready to support her community any way she could. Mom lived and loved life to the fullest. She loved to attend social events and talk with people making numerous friends along the way. She was a unique lady whose strength never faltered. She survived many hardships in her life but her faith always carried her through the bad times. Her love of life and the love for her family and friends was evident right up to her final hours. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Kin Place (Oakbank, MB) and The Notre Dame Foyer (Notre Dame, MB) for the loving care they provided for Mom. A special thank-you to Madelene De Spiegeleare for being such a loyal and trusting friend to mom. Mass of Christian Burial will be held from the St. Alphonse Catholic Church, St. Alphonse, MB at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 5, 2011. Prayers and Eulogy will be held at 1:30 p.m. prior to mass. Father A. Francis Eworo celebrant. Interment will follow in the St. Alphonse Parish Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CancerCare Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave., Room ON1160, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9 or The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 10 - 120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4G2. Although our hearts are saddened, we take great comfort in knowing she is returning to her heavenly father and will be reunited with dad, Louie and Mark. Online condolences may be made at www.willmorchapel.com Jamieson - Budz Funeral Service of Holland, MB in care of arrangements. (204) 526-2380 or (204) 827-2480

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 04, 2011