CHRISTINA JOHANNA VAN KEMENADE

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CHRISTINA JOHANNA VAN KEMENADE (nee VAN HAREN) December 11, 1922 - March 14, 2014 Peacefully, on Friday, March 14, 2014, aged 91. It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Christine van Kemenade, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Christine is survived by Frank, her loving husband of 63 years, sons Peter (Pam), Bernie (Sharon), Willy (Cathie), Leon (Gracie), and daughter Marilyn (Randy). Also left to mourn their beloved Oma' are grandchildren Kim and Kelly, Rhys, Lane, and Burke, Saskia and Christian, Jennifer, and great-grandkids Jake, Madden, Beck, and Hayden. Christine was born in the small town of Overasselt in the Netherlands, survived the difficult Nazi occupation throughout the war years, and in 1951 she married Frank. A little more than three years later, driven by a determination to work the land, Christine and Frank along with their young family immigrated to Canada, arriving on Canadian soil for the first time on March 14, 1954, 60 years to the day before Christine's passing. Those first years were difficult but the family eventually thrived, working farms in Stonewall and Grosse Isle, Christine at the solid heart of the family. Guided by her strong Christian beliefs Christine lived her life by those same values: a giver, never a taker, fiercely loyal to her husband and children, hard working, soft spoken, and always kind. Her sense of humour was never far away. Retirement beckoned in 1981 and led to many enjoyable winters spent with Frank as snow birds' in their Arizona retirement community, surrounded by close friends. Summers were spent at home, close to family, tending her garden and flowers. When circulation problems in her legs finally slowed her down Christine still managed to stay busy, crocheting afghans and mittens for family members and charities, doing what she could for others for as long as she was able. The world is a poorer place for her passing. May God rest her soul. The family would like to thank the staff and medical staff at Red River Place in Selkirk for their excellent care in the final months. A private family mass and interment will take place at a later date. MACKENZIE FUNERAL HOME STONEWALL 204-467-2525 mackhome@mts.net

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 18, 2014