MAE VAN DER VEKEN

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MAE VAN DER VEKEN (Mary McDougal Cleghorn) January 1919 - January 2014 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Mae Van Der Veken on Tuesday, January 7, 2014 at Riverview Health Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, just one week short of her 95th birthday. Mae was predeceased by her parents Elizabeth (Lizzie) and Alexander (Alec) Cleghorn, her loving husband Harry Van Der Veken in 2006, her sister and brother-in-law Betty and Harry Howard, brother and sister-in-law Lindsay and Shirley Cleghorn, and nephew Jim Howard. Left to celebrate her life are her daughters Paige McLeod (Ross Murray) and Penny Berntt (Terry Berntt), her five grandchildren Bronwyn Dobson (David), Megan Berntt (Jon Adamowicz), Brendan Berntt, Andrew McLeod (Kim McCallum), Lindsay McLeod (Jason Ateah) and her five great-grandchildren Mary-Louise, Garnet, Harry, Beauden and Parker. She will be dearly missed by her nieces and nephew and their families, and the Lyon Clan. Mae was born and raised in the North End of Winnipeg. She was educated at Champlain, Machray and St. John's High School. She graduated with a business certificate from Success Business College. Proud of her Scottish heritage, Mae loved the bagpipes and was an accomplished highland dancer and played the violin in her youth. She was employed by Great West Life prior to her marriage to Harry in 1940. She returned there during the war years and then left to raise her two daughters Paige and Penny. She returned to work from 1961 to 1973 at the Central Y.M.C.A. of Winnipeg on the assurance she would have all the school holidays to spend with her girls. Mae enjoyed spending her summers at the family cottage in Matlock, Manitoba for over 60 years. She enjoyed her travels with Harry within Canada and to Florida, Malaysia, Hawaii, Scotland and Belgium. Mae was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church since the age of five (90 years) and remained actively attending and participating until the autumn of 2012. She was a member of the D.W.Y.C. Women's Auxiliary at Tabernacle. Mae had a strong commitment to her faith and a deep love for her church. Mae was a devoted mother, wife, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother. She supported her daughters in their numerous activities and spent many hours typing their university papers, sewing and knitting for her daughters and grandchildren. She supported Harry in his professional and sporting involvements and was the hostess of countless family dinners. Her grandchildren were devoted to their Nana and considered her "one of a kind"! Their love and devotion, especially over the latter years of her life, was comforting to her. Mae moved to an assisted living residence, Sturgeon Creek ll after Harry's passing and spent seven wonderful years there making new friends and enjoying the care and kindness shown to her by the residents and staff! Her last three weeks were spent in the Palliative Care Unit at Riverview Health Centre and we thank them for the wonderful care and compassion shown to our mother and family. Her family will celebrate Mae's 95 years with a private family dinner. There will be an interment service at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens this summer for family and friends, with details posted in the Winnipeg Free Press prior to the date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tabernacle Baptist Church, 155 Bannerman Ave., Winnipeg, MB, The Winnipeg Humane Society or St. Amant Centre. For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit our website. www.chapellawn.ca 885-9715

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 11, 2014