PAULINE THERESA PAULUSMA (KEEN)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

PAULINE THERESA PAULUSMA (nee KEEN) August 19, 1946 - February 16, 2013 It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness the family announces the passing of our dear mum at home surrounded and cared for by family after a brief but very courageous battle with cancer. She was predeceased by her husband Chas, parents Elizabeth and Francis Keen, brothers Frank and Kasper and brothers-in-law Orest and Victor. She will forever be lovingly remembered by her children Karen (Gary), Allison (Chris), Kristen (Darryl) and Michelle, her grandchildren Bryan, Derrick, Nicole, Danielle, Tyler, Conner, Madison, Travis, Sheldon and Mackenzie, as well as by her brothers Jerry, George (Gloria), Brian (Janine) and Peter, sisters Gloria (Paul) and Margaret, sisters-in-law Joan and Wendy, many nieces and nephews (particularly her great-niece Kassidy who knew her as 'auntie-gram') and friends including her best friend Janet. If words could illustrate mum's spirit they would be 'love, family and sacrifice'. For mum so loved her family, they always came first. Mum's grand gesture in life was the sacrifices she made for her family. Her gift was the ability to show expressions of love to her four girls and ten grandchildren in the little ways everyday. She was born and raised in St. Vital and lived out her life in the area to remain close to family. At an early age, mum left school in order to take her first job at St. Boniface Hospital to help care and provide for her siblings. In 1965, she married her teenage sweetheart Chas. When she became a mother at 19, she remained at home to raise her children. During those nurturing years, she was a loyal and loving wife and worked along side Dad in the greenhouses and fields of the family market garden. Once her youngest started school, mum returned again to the workforce for 30 years as a residential cook in nursing homes where she was well known for her dedication to nourishing and providing for the elderly and most of all, her expertise of homemade traditional recipes especially her pastry in which she imparted these teachings to us. Mum recently retired from Les Filles de la Croix in 2011 where she enjoyed cooking for the Sisters. Her hard work over the years was never for personal gain but to ensure her family was never without and placed our needs before her own. Her dedication meant that she was always there and we would forever be taught, enriched and gifted by her love, strength in family, togetherness and good values. Even when her prognosis was imminent, mum valiantly chose to continue her fight for her family. She was a quietly caring lady who enjoyed the simple pleasures in life such as baking, reading, an evening out with friends at the casino, Sunday drives, going for ice cream but most of all, enjoyed time spent with her family. She was especially proud of her grandkids and loved to attend their various activities and events. In keeping with Pauline's wishes, cremation has taken place and a funeral mass for family and close friends will be held to celebrate her life at St. Timothy's Roman Catholic Church at 135 John Forsyth Road on Thursday, February 21 at 11:00 a.m. Flowers are gratefully declined, in lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in mum's memory. A special thanks to family and friends for their outpour of love and support during this difficult time as well as to Dr. Renelle Myers for her compassionate care. The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 20, 2013