MARGARET VAN RAES (PRESTENSKI)

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MARGARET VAN RAES (nee PRESTENSKI) With the joy and peace that comes from the sacraments of the Lord, in serenity, Margaret Van Raes passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2004 at the Palliative Care Unit at St. Boniface General Hospital. Margaret was born on October 26, 1938 in Winnipeg. As an only child, she grew up on a farm in St. Adolphe. Mom often regaled her daughters with tales of farm life -- milking the cows and feeding the kittens directly from the cow, or Grandpa not being able to kill the chicken for dinner. Eventually, the tiny Prestenski family moved to Riel Street in St. Vital. Margaret made many friends while attending Glenlawn Collegiate. After graduation she attended Success Business College where she learned the art of secretarial work. Her first job was with The City of Winnipeg after which she moved to The Canadian National Railway. After meeting a wonderful man on a blind date, she married Tom on July 19, 1958. Together they raised their three daughters in their little Gareau Street home. After staying at home with her girls for a while, Mom went to work at Holy Family Parish. Later, she became the secretary at Archwood School and then H.L. Softley School in the Norwood School Division. After leaving Softley, Mom went back to Holy Family Parish where she worked until her retirement in December 1999. One of Moms greatest joys was her travelling. Over the years, she travelled to 42 different countries including, Ireland, where she kissed the Blarney Stone, and she participated in an archaeological dig in Greece. One of her favourite trips was to the Holy Land where she walked the Stations of the Cross and entered Jesus tomb. Mom also did her share of volunteering. She was involved in prison ministry, brought communion to the sick, and worked with diabetes clients at the Youville Clinic, to name but a few. Margaret was predeceased by her mother, Katherine in 2000; her father Walter in 1959 and her father-in-law Tom Van Raes Sr. in 1977. Left to cherish her memory are husband Tom Van Raes; daughters, Donna (Floyd) Alexander, Brenda Van Raes, Karen (Bill) Seymour; grandchildren, Lee and Sherri Cushnie, Stephanie and David (Michelle) Chartrand, Laura and Michael Seymour, Brandy Alexander; great-grandchildren, Tyler and Emily Chartrand and mother-in-law Flo Van Raes. Her brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and numerous cousins, as well as countless friends will miss her greatly. We would like to extend our warmest thanks to Fathers Jean-Louis Rocan and Leonce Aubin who were such spiritual guides and friends to Mom throughout her illness. Our gratitude also goes to Dr. Laverne Janzen, the palliative care teams and all those who joined Moms prayer chain. You all brought her such wonderful comfort. The family would like to invite relatives and friends to join them Wednesday, January 28 at 11:00 a.m. in celebrating Moms life at a Mass of Resurrection at St. Bernadette Church, 820 Cottonwood Rd. with Fr. Fred Olds presiding. The interment will take place at Glen Lawn Cemetery. You are invited to join the family at St. Bernadette Parish Hall for refreshments, fellowship and the sharing of memories after the interment. If friends so desire, in lieu of flowers, Mass Offerings, donations to CancerCare Manitoba, Canadian Diabetes Association or Blessed Mother Teresas Missionaries of Charity, would be greatly appreciated. She always leaned to watch for us Anxious if we were late, In winter by the window, In summer by the gate; And though we mocked her tenderly, Who had such foolish care, The long way home seemed more safe, Because she waited there; Her thoughts were all so full of us, She never could forget, And so I think that where she is, She must be watching yet; Waiting till we come home to her, Anxious if we are late, Watching from Heavens window, Leaning from Heavens gate. LECLAIRE BROTHERS in care of arrangements, 775-2220

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 24, 2004