CLARA HERREBOUT-MATTHIJS

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CLARA HERREBOUT-MATTHIJS Peacefully on July 25, 2001, Clara Maria Louisa Herrebout-Matthijs, 87 years, of Manitou, MB, with her loving family by her side, passed on to be with the Lord. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Ewald Matthijs, Ria (Ray) Van Cauwenberghe, Francine (Brock) Lee. She also leaves behind four grandchildren, Christine Van Cauwenberghe and husband Christopher Mainella, Sonia Van Cauwenberghe and husband Kyle Mizak, Katarina Lee and Nicolas Lee. She is also survived by her sister Palmyre Van de Vijver; sister-in-law Agnes Herrebout; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Arnold (Agnes) Matthijs and Asther (Marie-Louise) Matthijs. Clara was predeceased by her husband Arsene Matthijs, her parents, four sisters and two brothers. Clara was born in Evergem, Belgium on July 13, 1914. In 1940 she married Arsene Matthijs and they immigrated to Canada with their family in 1956. They farmed in Manitou, MB until Arsenes passing on August 1, 1973. Mom carried on farming with her son Ewald until her passing. Mom (Oma) was a loving and caring woman who was always willing to help her family and friends. Mom always turned to the Lord, prayer book and the church. Her faith was the anchor that pulled her through difficult times, and she always thanked the Lord for all her blessings. Prayers will be held in the Manitou Roman Catholic Church on Friday, July 27 at 8:00 p.m. followed by Mass of the Christian Burial on Saturday, July 28, at 11:00 a.m. Interment immediately after the service in the family plot at the St. Leon Parish Cemetery. Reception will follow at the St. Leon Community Hall. Flowers are gratefully declined, donations may be made for Masses for Clara. Adams Funeral Home of Notre Dame, Manitoba in care of arrangements. Phone 248-2201 or 1-888-400-2326. When we are dead, and people weep for us and grieve, let it be because we touched their lives with beauty and simplicity. Let it be said that life was good to us, but rather, that we were good to life. Mom and Dad are together again. Rest in Peace.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 27, 2001