MARIA VANDERSTELT (CHEYS) 1910-2003

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MARIA VANDERSTELT (CHEYS) 1910-2003 Maria passed away peacefully on December 1, 2003 at Vista Park Lodge, surrounded by her loving family and cared for lovingly by the incredible staff at the Lodge. She received the blessings of the sick tenderly administered by Fr. Gerry Ward. A loving, caring and kind person, she is lovingly remembered and survived by her only daughter Bernice and son-in-law Hubert Kleysen; three grandchildren, Brenda and husband Franz Tattenbach of Costa Rica, Tom Kleysen and wife Barbara, and Robert Francis Kleysen. Maria had five great-grandchildren; Karl, Max and Alex Tattenbach and Stephen and Shannon Kleysen. She is also survived by her brother Albert Cheys and sister-in-law Gerry Cheys; as well as nephews, Robert and Ed Cheys; and nieces, Edna Guinan, Leona LaCoste, Lorraine Cheys (McLean), Doreen McCallum, and Linda Davis; and godchild Dennis Gowler; and her dear and special friends who visited her faithfully. Also several nieces and nephews in the Netherlands. She was predeceased by her loving husband Nicolaas; her parents Leonie and Joseph Cheys; her sisters Christina Cheys and Leontina DeBeuf (of Belgium) and her brothers, Julian and Maurice Cheys, and twin brother Edward. Also her sisters-in-law Leona, Bertha, and Louise Cheys and also many sisters and brothers-in-law in Holland and one brother-in-law in Belgium. Maria was born in Morselede, Belgium and immigrated as a young child with her family who pioneered and farmed in St. Boniface. Always a hard worker, she gave much of herself to her family and friends and to whoever needed some help. A long time member of the Catholic Womens League, she worked faithfully for the Church. Maria loved to garden and took pride in her beautiful flowers. Maria was an exceptional baker and many a Christmas was made special by a gift of her home baking, especially her delicious butter tarts. Maria was a member of the Fort Garry Seniors and the Belgium Club Card and Bingo Group. She remained active in all areas until she could no longer walk and then she took up residence at the age of 87 years at Vista Park Lodge. Here she contributed as much as she could with good humour and interest. She came to love her "adopted family" and they in turn treated her royally. From the "Angels of Mercy" who tended her bedside, to the great cooking staff, cleaning staff and the wonderful social and rec. staff, - to all our heartfelt thanks. A celebration of Marias life will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2003 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Timothys Roman Catholic Church at 135 John Forsyth Rd., St. Vital with Fr. Gerry Ward officiating. Reception immediately following the service, all are welcome to attend. Interment to follow later at Green Acres Memorial Gardens. My mothers heart was a beautiful heart with limitless love for sharing and warm understanding and caring. Rest in Peace Mom - love you forever. GREEN ACRES Funeral Home, Cemetery and Crematorium Hwy. #1 E. at Navin, 222-3241

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 04, 2003