MARIA (MARY) CATHARINA JOSINA DE BEER

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MARIA (MARY) CATHARINA JOSINA DE BEER Maria (Mary) Catharina Josina was born Wednesday, December 28, 1927 at Eindehoven, Holland, Netherlands. Mary immigrated to Winnipeg, MB, Canada in January 1954 with her parents, brothers, and sisters. She was the sixth oldest of 12 children. Mary wanted to continue with her career of being a nurse, however she found that she could make a much better living being a seamstress. In September 1956 (after much persuading by Gerry) Mary finally said yes to a date. Gerry knew even then, that she would be the catch of his life, and they were married on October 26, 1957. They were blessed with three children, Johanna in 1958, followed by Peter in 1959 and their family was complete with little Mary in 1960. In 1963, Mary and Gerry moved their family and made The Pas, MB their home. A very determined Mary opened a fashion and fabric centre in 1965 while Gerry was working construction in Northern Manitoba. In 1966 Mary extended her business into a flower shop, called The Pas Florist. Mary loved being outdoors and could usually be found in her garden or flowerbeds. She was an avid hunter and had a passion for fishing, with an uncanny ability to know exactly where the big fish would be. She loved to swim and was a natural on water skis. Mary enjoyed curling, botchy ball, and croquet. Other hobbies Mary enjoyed were crocheting, baking, reading books, and listening to opera. Her home was always open to family and friends. She loved to hear a good joke and she said that laughter is the best medicine. She was always there for everyone, through good times and bad, through sorrow and happiness. Mary's pride and joy were her five grandchildren, Andy, Peter, Catharina, Cathleen, and Little Gary. In 1998 Mary was diagnosed with cancer and against all odds fought the disease for seven years until her passing on Friday, December 30, 2005 at St. Anthony's Hospital, The Pas. Her family and friends were at her side to the end and she was never alone. Mary leaves to mourn her husband, Gerardus (Gerry); children, Johanna (Alan), Peter, Mary (Gary); grandchildren, Andy (Erin), Peter (Ashley), Catharina (Christopher), Cathleen, Gary Jr; siblings, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Mary was predeceased by her parents Johanna and Peter; her siblings, Trudy (Joseph), Johanna, John (Jean), William, Frank (Juliet), Peter, and Gerry. Mary (Oma) touched the lives of all around her and will never be forgotten. A Christian Wake Service was held Tuesday, January 3, 2006, 7:30 p.m. at the Chapel of Hemauer Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, January 4, 2006, 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Cathedral, The Pas, with Rev. Paul Bringleson presiding. Music Ministry: Rochelle Rydberg, Sacred Heart Choir. Eulogy: Lou Ford and Daphne Proke. Reading: Catharina de Beer and Cathleen de Beer. Reflective Reading: Andy McLauchlan. Scripture Reading: Erin McLauchlan. Presentation of the Gifts: Elsie D'aust and Josie Van Ginkel. Pallbearers were Peter de Beer, Alan McLauchlan, Gary Gawliuk Sr., Gary Gawliuk Jr., Andy McLauchlan, Peter McLauchlan. Honorary Pallbearers were everyone in attendance at the service. Following the Interment Prayers at Lakeside Cemetery, a reception was held at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall, The Pas. If friends so desire, donations to The Pas Health Complex Foundation, Inc., Box 541, The Pas, Manitoba, R9A 1K4, would be appreciated by Mary's family. Hemauer Funeral Home, The Pas, in care of arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 21, 2006