Marie Van De Kerckhove

Marie Van De Kerckhove

(nee Van Den Bosch)

Peacefully at her residence in Swan Lake, Mrs. Marie Van De Kerckhove passed away at the age of 88 years.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 63 years, Oscar and their children, Marguerite Smith, John Van De Kerckhove (Edna), Will Van De Kerckhove (Marilyn), Kathleen Sundell (Morley), Christine Gundrum (Marvin), Theresa Early (Terry) and Perry Van De Kerckhove (Teri); her 42 grandchildren, Jeff Smith (Keli), Amy-Lynne Peters (Trevor), Bradley Smith (Keagan), Connor Smith (Melanie); Alysia Frankemolle (Matthew), Meaghan, Courtney Wilson (Jerrod), Sabrina Sanders (Nick), Paige Van De Kerckhove; Lisa Collet (Michel), Jennifer Simoens (Michel), Derek Van De Kerckhove (Tess), Mark Van De Kerckhove (Brittany); Tammy Vigier (Jean-Claude), Monica Geirnaert (Stéphane), Nicholas Sundell (Kassandra), Stephanie Deroche (Mathieu), Jeremy, Elliott, Kirk Sundell (Kayla), Paul, Bridget, Daniel, Francis, Cecilia Sundell; Fr. Joshua, Amanda Scheller (Clay), Adam, Jessica (Thomas Huggart), Natalie, Lindsey, Maria, Angela Gundrum; Justin (Jill Harvey), Rebecca Mulé (Dave), Nathan, Andrew, Russel, Benjamin Early; Morgan, Eve, Mallory Van De Kerckhove; as well as 47 great grandchildren.  She is also survived by her brothers and sisters, Camille Van Den Bosch (Lucille), Gaston Van Den Bosch (Donna), Louise Goderis, Arthur Van Den Bosch (Rose-Marie), Henry Van Den Bosch (Juliette), Rosa Conrad and Bernard Van Den Bosch (Margie) as well as in-laws, George Van De Kerckhove (Doreen) and Rose Van De Kerckhove and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Daughter of Francis+ Van Den Bosch & Alphonsine+ (nee Haegeman).

Marie was predeceased by her brothers, Edward Van Den Bosch (Jeanne) and Joseph Van Den Bosch (Helen) and by her in-laws, Emile Goderis, Paul Conrad, Ceasar Van De Kerckhove (Imelda), Richard Van De Kerckhove (Alice) and Lorne Van De Kerckhove.

Marie was born at home, in the Oak Hill district, North of Swan Lake, Manitoba, second of ten children of Francis and Alphonsine (nee Haegeman) Van Den Bosch. Being the oldest daughter, she enjoyed helping take care of her siblings and working on the farm, milking cows, raising turkeys, and cleaning the barn. At a young age, she learned to play the harmonica as her love of music grew including playing the accordion and spoons. Sewing for her family was also learned, which became a skill well perfected, along with hairdressing skills.

She attended Oak Hill School till grade 8, when she began working full time on the farm. Before marriage, she helped young mothers take care of their children.

Marie married Oscar on April 19, 1958. Together they raised a family of 7 on a mixed farming operation.

She babysat not only her grandchildren, but also neighbour’s children. Marie also volunteered many hours, teaching 4-H for over 35 years. She was one of the founding organizers of the Gathering of Nations, especially with the Belgian pavilion. Starting with the Home Town Dancers, she then encouraged the young children to join in, by teaching them Belgian dancing and oversaw their performances.

Marie was very involved in her Catholic parish, cleaning and singing in the choir. She also volunteered in the Lions organization, and served a term as president.

Of her many hobbies, Mom enjoyed gardening, sewing, crafting, keeping a daily diary, attending sporting events of her children and grandchildren, photography and curling.

Marie’s family was most important to her, and with all the many birthday and anniversary gatherings, her favorite send off would be "Be sure to come again soon!"

A public come-and-go viewing will be held at the St. Martin of Tours Roman Catholic Church in Swan Lake, Manitoba on Monday, February 21, 2022 from 2:00-3:00pm. Prayers will start at 3:00pm.

A Private Funeral Mass will be held at the St. Martin of Tours Roman Catholic Church on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. with Father Joshua Gundrum and Father Vincent Lusty officiating.  Interment will take place in the Parish Cemetery.

The funeral service will be available to be viewed via Live Streaming. If you would like your name to appear in the in the guestbook, please email your name to office@afh.ca

Adam’s Funeral Home of Notre Dame de Lourdes, Manitoba in care of arrangements.  Phone 204-248-2201.  To view the service details and leave condolences, please visit www.afh.ca