Roberta CLAEYS

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CLAEYS: Roberta Patricia Jean “Jean” Claeys, aged 71, passed away suddenly on Christmas Day, 2017 at her residence in Brandon, MB. Born on July 14, 1941, in Lyleton, MB, to Thomas and Margaret Hallam (nee Chesterfield), Jean lived on the family farm and attended a one room school house at Copley, Mb until grade 8. Then getting a rest from walking a mile and a half to school everyday, took grade 9 by correspondence, and then worked for room and board in Lyleton to complete grades 10 to 12. After graduating Jean attended Brandon Business School. Jean worked as a secretary for several employers over the years, but spent the majority of her career helping students enroll in their courses in the Faculty of Education at Brandon University. In retirement, as in her working life, Mom enjoyed playing cards, quilting, puzzles, and socializing with many friends. Jean is survived by her three children Michelle Higgins (Bob Sharpe), Kevin Chambers (Kim), and Heather Kreshewski; grandchildren Andrew, Adam and Morgan Sanders, and Alec and Owen Chambers; and her great grandson Aiden Sanders. Jean is also survived by her sisters Nelda Wilkinson, Donna Lesaway, Marilyn Gordon, Bev Mestdagh, and Anne Hallam. Jean was predeceased by her parents, and her brother Douglas Hallam. An opportunity for friends and family to gather and celebrate the life and memories of Jean Claeys will be held at the Army, Navy and Air Force Veterans Unit 10 located at 31 14th Street, Brandon, MB on Thursday, May 17, 2018 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. As per her wishes, there will be no formal funeral or internment. Jean’s ashes will be spread at a later date. Michelle, Kevin, Heather and their families would like to send a special thanks to all the friends and family members who sent their condolences and warm wishes during this time of grief, reflection and recovery. As well, although that chapter in her life had passed some time ago, special thanks from her children to the organization known as Parents Without Partners who, at a time when being a single parent was not as common as it is today, provided Mom with a supportive community of friends and fellowship that helped in so many ways.

As published in Brandon Sun on May 05, 2018