Marie-Louise Matthys

Marie-Louise Matthys

January 6, 1930 - July 20, 2012

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,

love leaves a memory no one can steal."

It is with great sadness we announce the sudden, peaceful passing of our Mother and Oma on Friday, July 20, 2012 at her residence in Swan Lake, MB.

Mom was born in East Flanders, Belgium.  After marrying Asther in 1953, and the birth of their two children Marleen and Ron, they immigrated to La Riviere, Manitoba.   Mom and Dad were farmers and loved working the land.  Mom worked alongside Dad on the farm every step of the way and together they carved a wonderful life here in Canada.   When they retired they became snowbirds and enjoyed their winters in either Texas or Arizona and made many lasting friendships.

In 2002 Dad passed away and Mom moved to her new home in Swan Lake, Manitoba.  She repeated many times, "I am so lucky to be in Swan Lake, it was a good move for me."  Swan Lake was her little piece of Belgium as many of her friends were from Flemish ancestry, and she was able to keep speaking her Flemish.  Mom hardly ever missed going to cards three times a week, and the extra bonus was that she could Belgian bowl in the summertime right in Swan Lake.  She was the oldest female bowler, but that didn't stop her.  She was very competitive and winning really made her week even better.

Mom's strong faith carried her through the hard times in her life.  While in Swan Lake she would attend daily mass when she could, and never missed a Sunday mass.  She joined the choir and being part of the choir was something she enjoyed tremendously.  We are sure she is now singing with all the angels in heaven.   We will miss her deeply, but know that she is now in God's loving hands, and with her many relatives who were there to welcome her.  Maybe there will even be time for a game of bowling.

She will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her daughter Marleen (Dennis), son Ron (Marianne) and her four grandchildren, Louise, Paul, Adell and Heidi (Mark). She is also survived by two brothers in Belgium, Etienne (Rafaelle) Matthys and Daniel (Georgette) Matthys and numerous nieces and nephews both in Canada and Belgium.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 2 p.m. at the St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, in Swan Lake, MB with celebrant Father Francis Eworo. Family interment to follow in the Parish cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lorne Memorial Hospital, Palliative Care, Box 40, Swan Lake, MB R0G 2S0.

Adam’s Funeral Home of Notre Dame, Manitoba in care of arrangements. Phone 248-2201 or 1-888-400-2326. www.afh.ca

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