MARIA KATARINA (NETTY) KESSEN (VERNAUS)

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MARIA KATARINA (NETTY) KESSEN (nee VERNAUS) On the afternoon of Saturday, February 17, 2018, heaven gained a crazy, beautiful, kind angel, Maria "Netty" Kessen. Those left behind to cherish her memory are her son Rudy (Deb) and grandchildren, Alanna (Kale) and Shelby (Michael); her daughter Tish and grandchildren, Cole (Chloe) and Matt (Shanu); her brother John (Lisa); numerous nephews and nieces in Winnipeg and family in Holland. She was predeceased by her husband, Felix Kessen in 2008. Netty was born in Maastricht, the Netherlands on December 23, 1930 and immigrated to Canada in 1961 with Felix and Rudy. They bought a home in Silver Heights and a few years later the beloved cottage at Wendigo. Netty was always known as a hard worker. One of her favourite things was to paint the house, both inside and out. This was done almost yearly. She would paint so much, that one day the front door wouldn't open! After planing down the door at least a quarter of an inch, Felix said, "I haven't even hit wood yet! It's all paint!" Netty was a force of nature and loved life more than anyone else. She loved singing, dancing, laughing, lipstick, red wine and strong coffee. No one laughed more, hugged more, danced more, and gave more of themselves than Netty. To know Netty was to love her, even though she drove us crazy half the time. She would do anything to get a laugh, earning her the well-deserved nickname "Nutty Netty". Taking care of people was something Netty always did. Her energy and willingness to do whatever possible whenever help was needed served as a good role model for us all. She had 'adopted' many families and children along the way; playing a very positive part in their lives. She also loved to look after her grandchildren. It was the highlight of her life. She would take her grandchildren everywhere: the zoo, the children's museum, and even Costco for food sampling snacks! Her grandchildren know they are lucky to have had the best oma, ever! We would like to give special thanks to Richard and Penny Blouw for all their support over the years. The entire Blouw family held a special place in Netty's heart. Thanks also to Yvonne, Humphrey, Jamie and family, and Harry for always making time for Netty. She loved those visits. Thank you as well to her good neighbours on Fidler who always looked out for her: Paul and Anna, and Kim and Kevin. Netty would not want us to be sad at this time, rather remember that she is in heaven singing and dancing around a bonfire with a glass of red wine having the time of her life. A celebration of Netty's life is planned for immediate family and friends.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 24, 2018