MARY GRIFT (DE BAETS)

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MARY GRIFT (nee DE BAETS) Mary was joyfully welcomed home by the angels as she completed her journey on Wednesday, January 3, 2001. Her journey began on June 8, 1914 in Ursel, Belgium, the second of ten children born to Augusta and Theophiel. Mary is survived by her husband Phillip; children, Bert (Penny), Ed, Larry (Fran), Ed Demchuk, Jo Ann (Don) Lippens, Arch (Wanda), Mary Ann (Mike) Stewart; 11 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She will also be remembered by her brothers and sisters, Adolphe, Ann (Michael) Van Walleghem, Adrienne (Claude) Gagnon, Julia Guilbeault, Gerry (Elsie), Germaine (Brant) Willson, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Augusta and Theophiel; sisters, Alida and Martha; brother Armand, and daughter Marlene Demchuk. Mary immigrated to Swan Lake, MB in 1920. She married Phillip on September 23, 1939. They started dairy farming in 1947. She was a loving and devoted wife to Phillip for 61 years. She was his "Beaut", and "Manager". Even in death they do not part for she will be in his heart and memories always. She was a patient and loving mother. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. She so unselfishly babysat and entertained her grandchildren until poor health prevented her from continuing. She loved a good laugh. She loved to walk in her neighborhood, enjoying her chats with everyone she met, admiring the beautiful flowers gardens. To know her was to love her. She touched the hearts of so many people. Poor health plagued Mary for the last 14 years of her life. She never complained, always believing that others were worse off than she was. During Christmas week, when she complained about pain and tiredness, we knew that it must have been unbearable. She wanted to be with Marlene and the rose garden that Marlene had prepared for her in heaven. Funeral mass will be held on Monday, January 8 at 1:00 p.m. in St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church, 300 Donalda Ave., with Rev. Fr. Jorge Villegas, O.F.M., Cap. presiding. Cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marys memory to the charity of ones choice. The family wishes to extend special thanks to Dr. Harris and the nursing staff at the Concordia General Hospital. "We love you, our Beaut, our mother, our friend." GREEN ACRES FUNERAL CHAPEL 222-3241

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 06, 2001