MARTHA MARIA BERTHA WYTINCK

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MARTHA MARIA BERTHA WYTINCK (nee De PAPE) On May 19, 2001 Martha was welcomed into eternal life by her loving Saviour, Jesus, at St. Boniface General Hospital, Winnipeg, MB. She was born at her home in Bruxelles, MB on November 12, 1912. She was educated by the Ursuline Sisters becoming one of the first boarders. She married Isidore Wytinck on September 8, 1936. After only 10 years of marriage she was widowed on May 8, 1946, and was left with four young children. Martha farmed in the Bru District, not far from Cypress River, until 1960, with the assistance of Isidores generous and caring parents, as well as with the help of her brother Gus. At the invitation of her cousin, the then Father Remi DeRoo she moved to St. Boniface, to the Holy Cross Parish Rectory. In 1963 when Remi was appointed Bishop of Victoria, she moved to St. Andrews Cathedral Parish. In January 1994, after many happy and fulfilling years in Victoria, she retired. She took up residence in St. Boniface at the Chez Nous Seniors Home. During these years she became an associate of the Ursuline community, renewed past friendships and found new friends. Left to mourn are Marthas four devoted and beloved children, son Edward (Margaret Simoens) and family, Jamie (Joelle) and sons Christian and Miguel, Tim and children, Kyle, Dylan, Riley, and Shaelyn, Rob (Michelle) and sons, Joshua and Zack, Laurinda (Joe Neyron) and daughters Shania and Janelle, Corinna (Thomas McKee), Candis (Trent Olmstead) and son Nathan, Francine and Wayne and three single sons Kevin, Danny, and Matthew; son, Donald (Deborah Houghton) daughter, Lillian (Maurice Delichte) and family Lorena (Gordon Van Damme) and children Christina, Trevor, and Louann, Danica (Michael Chevalier) and children, Carla, Lorissa, and Paul, Bonnie (Lawrence Van Den Bossche) and sons David, Michael, James, and Bradley, Henry and son Lucas; son, Herbert (Beatrice Cook) and family, Lyall and children Amanda and Dylan, and Sonya. She was predeceased by her husband, Isidore Wytinck; father August DePape; mother Augusta Lombaert; infant siblings, Angele and Albert, and much later by Angela (Sister Augustine O.S.P.U), Gerarda Simoens, Michael, Bert, and niece Dolaine DePape; godchild, Evelyn Simoens Baltessen; also by in-laws, Camille and Maria Wytinck; brothers-in-law, Gerard and Marcel Wytinck, and Joe Hilhorst; and by sister-in-law, Judith and Firmin Delichte. Survived by sisters, Madeline (Hilhorst), Ursuline Sisters, Germaine and Maria; brothers, Gus (Gabie Packet) and Joe (Raymonde Labossiere). Also by sisters-in-law, Paula DePape (Carels), Mary (Peters), and Clarisse (DeSmet), Annie and Nestor Van Cauwenberghe; and by brother-in-law. George Simoens. As she was from such a large family there are also many surviving nieces and nephews. She leaves numerous loved and loving friends both in Victoria and Manitoba. Martha was blessed with a very pleasant, loving, and generous personality. She greeted every person with a broad smile and a warm hug. Her children and siblings have many beautiful memories of her. Distance was no barrier for Mom. She developed a close, loving relationship with her family through many, many letters, cards, and gifts. Grandmas yearly visit from Victoria was a special event in our lives. I will always remember how Mom daily signed our foreheads with a cross, saying May God bless you and keep you and make you in wisdom grow. Mom was such a positive and patient lady .forgiveness seemed to come so naturally to her. The morals and values that we hold dear today come from Mothers example. She constantly denied herself for our well-being since she was a loving and tender-hearted person. Mom genuinely rejoiced in the beauty of Gods creation as evidenced in nature. She especially loved flowers and often exclaimed "How wonderful God is!" She contributed to many charitable works. Our Moms whole life was centered on family, friends, and in a special way, her faith and her Church. Her love for God was kindled by her daily attendance at the Eucharist and her praying of the Rosary. Love for God and neighbor pervaded Moms life and she always found something gracious to say about each person. She was level-headed and serene which helped her so much in rearing her family as a young widow. Somehow, she became a two-parent influence in our formation as Christians. She was also "community-minded." Marthas family expresses their heartfelt thanks to the many people who loved and supported her during her long and fruitful life. We owe a special thanks to Bishop Remi for his constant concern and kindness. For all who cared for her during her painful illness - Dr. Erhard, the nurses, aides, orderlies, support staff, and Pastoral ministers - we pray for Gods choicest blessings on you and yours. We are grateful also for the numerous cards and flowers. Prayers will be said from Budz Funeral Chapel, Holland, MB on Monday, May 21 at 8:00 p.m. Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated by Bishop Remi De Roo and con-celebrated by Msgr. Albert Frechette from the St. Boniface Roman Catholic Cathedral, St. Boniface, MB on Tuesday, May 22 at 11:00 a.m. Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated from the St. Alphonse Catholic Church, St. Alphonse, MB on Wednesday, May 23 at 11:00 a.m. with Father Firmin Michiels officiating. Interment will follow in the St. Alphonse Parish Cemetery. As expressions of sympathy, if friends so wish, donations may be made in Marthas memory to The Heart and Stroke Foundation, the St. Boniface Research Foundation, The Catholic Foundation of Victoria Diocese, or to a charity of your choice. Budz Funeral Service of Holland, Manitoba in care of arrangements, 526-2380, 744-2065.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 20, 2001