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JEAN ARONDEUS (WILSON)
Born: Jan 10, 1922
Date of Passing: Sep 30, 2018
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryJEAN ARONDEUS (nee WILSON) Our mother, Jean Arondeus, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2018, at the age of 96. She had a full and wonderful life. She was born January 10, 1922, in Winnipeg, to parents who had recently emigrated from Ireland, arriving with her sister, Kath, and brother, Herb, in tow. Mom was very proud of her Irish heritage and passed that on to her daughters. Her childhood was spent as most children of that era, playing outside at the Kelvin Community Club and attending church functions such as CGIT and youth groups. In an entry in her journal, when she was twelve, Mom wrote that she had just met the boy she was going to marry, Johnny Arondeus. That did come true years later as Mom and Dad were married September 4, 1943, just weeks before Dad was sent overseas as a pilot in the R.C.A.F. When Dad returned at the end of the war, two years later, their lives were busy with work, watching Dad play hockey, setting up a home, establishing Kelvin Electric and being part of their community. Life was busy raising three daughters, Derry, Judy and Colleen. Mom created a warm and loving home for us. At the house on Mossdale Mom always took great pride in setting a lovely table and creating delicious meals when the family would gather. Mom loved nothing more than hosting Friday night dinners and Saturday morning coffee with the family. Mom especially enjoyed when Derryn and family arrived from Ottawa for a visit which just added to the amount of love and laughter filling the house. Mom and Dad attended John Black Church where they gave freely of their time on many committees. Mom loved her golf and curling at Rossmere Golf and Country Club, belonging to several bridge groups and was a lifetime member of the Kiwanis Club of East Kildonan for which she served as President. Mom met many treasured friends as a member of these various groups. Upon retirement Mom and Dad became snowbirds and wintered in Florida where they hosted many family gatherings. Mom and Dad were married for 69 wonderful years - they were inseparable. When Dad passed away in 2012 a part of Mom went with him. Mom found the last six years difficult without her John. She still continued to show dignity and grace as she travelled this final stage of her life's journey. The family would like to thank the caregivers who helped Mom over the last few years. Mom considered you her dear friends. We were blessed with compassionate care from the staff at River East Personal Care Home over the last eleven months and especially the angels on Serenity Cove who cared for Mom with such humour, dignity and respect This story was presented at Mom and Dad's 60th Wedding Anniversary and the words became truer every day: "The question is asked, "Is there anything more beautiful than a boy and a girl clasping clean hands and pure hearts in the path of marriage? Can there be anything more beautiful than young love?" And the answer is given, "Yes, there is a more beautiful thing. It is the spectacle of an old man and an old woman finishing their journey together on that path. Their hands are gnarled, but still clasped; their faces are seamed, but still radiant; their hearts are physically bowed and tired. But still strong and filled with love and devotion for one another. Yes, there is a more beautiful thing than young love. Old love." Although the last entry has been written in Mom's journal, it comforts us to know that she has been reunited with the love of her life. Left behind to cherish the memories are her three daughters: Derryn (Ian Few), Judy (John Rempel) and Colleen (Peter Enns). Mom was blessed with six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren who she loved dearly. A private family funeral will be held at a later date. Donations to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation, 1160 - 675 McDermot Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9 would be greatly appreciated.
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 13, 2018
Condolences & Memories (8 entries)
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My sincere condolences to you on the death of your Mom. We were away in October so I am late in hearing about this. Our mothers were second cousins on the Morrow side, and your Mom was matron of honour at my parents' wedding. They kept in touch through the years. My Mom (Hannah Cross) died in 2008 after many years struggling with dementia. I called your Mom a few times and visited her in the seniors building just after she sold the house, but regret that I did not do better. She was a lovely person. - Posted by: Linda Fearn (third cousin) on: Nov 15, 2018
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Colleen, Judy and Derryn, Your mom's obituary is so beautifully written. I know your parents were good people. Like all of you! I also know you have an abundance of wonderful memories and like my dear Aunt would say "make good memories as that is all you will have". I have fond memories of our school days Colleen. I will treasure that you were my friend in my life. Those were pretty important years. I wish you and all your families my condolences and may you feel the love and strength from the arms that embrace you. Hugs from Jill. - Posted by: jill palmer nee mcwhinney (friends from school and church) on: Oct 16, 2018
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I only met your lovely mum (and dad) a couple of times but I have happy memories of doing so. She seemed to be a bundle of fun and always very happy to be with her girls and grandchildren. Our thoughts and prayers are sent with love to you all at this sad time. Your English in-laws Nige and Hen - Posted by: nigel edward-few (Derryn's brother in law) on: Oct 16, 2018
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Colleen was my friend from across the street on Mossdale Avenue. I remember playing together in her backyard on the clover patio. Mrs Arondeus made snacks for us. I thought of her as very elegant. She was lovely. She had pretty dresses. I walked the old neighbourhood in September remembering how lively it was with heaps of kids playing together and mothers visiting. It was the way neighbourhoods should be. I send my condolences to the Arondeus girls and their family’s. - Posted by: Lesley Alexander Fraser (Mossdale Neighbour) on: Oct 13, 2018
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I always admired your parents and thought that you girls were so lucky to have such great parents. Your mom was always so gracious and your dad such fun.....I still remember the "hobo dinners" that he would create on the BBQ or in the bonfires we once had in our backyards. Your mom was always such a "lady"... She will always be "Mrs. Arondeus" to me. Thanks so much for keeping in contact with my mom. . I know that she regarded your mom as a dear friend over these many years. - Posted by: Sandra Turk (former nieghbour) on: Oct 13, 2018
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I had the absolute pleasure of working for Jean through HomeCare. She was a kind, decent soul who was a lady through and through. Jean always had a smile and a kind word. A gentler heart than Jean’s could never be found. - Posted by: Kim (HomeCare worker) on: Oct 13, 2018
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Auntie Jean was a treasured aunt and my Mom's sister. She had a great sense of humour and her laugh was contagious. Auntie Jean valued connection with family-up to her last days never let my birthday go by without a card or a phone call. I believe now Mom and her will be coffee-ing & happily visiting together in Heaven. I will miss her. Maureen - Posted by: Maureen Fleming (Niece) on: Oct 13, 2018
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Susie...that’s what I was called on the street, our street. Mossdale Avenue was a wonderful place to grow up. Not so long ago Lesley and I walked the old neighbourhood and paused in front of your house to remember playing there. Your parents recognized that I was the little tag along but always made me feel welcome! A long full life is a gift, but I know how it hurts to say goodbye and to continue on without a mother. Heartfelt sympathy to all. - Posted by: Sue Smith (Neighbour) on: Oct 13, 2018