MADELEINE DE LEEUW

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MADELEINE DE LEEUW (nee DECRUYENAERE) October 10, 1919 - June 7, 2016 It is with sorrow that we announce the loss of a great lady, our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend. We are so grateful to God for the lengthy time she was able to be with us. Mom has gone to join her husband, Harry; parents, Marie and Alfred DeCruyenaere; brothers, Albert, Michael, Joseph, Edward; sisters, Margaret and Irene; grandson Robert and many family members and dear friends. She will be greatly missed by her sons, Harry (Jane), Bert (Marilyn), Danny, Marcel (Bev), David (Cathy); grandchildren, Tracey, Danielle (Arne), Katie (Kevin), Chris (Rhoda), Ryan (Gabi), Didi (Eric), Reagan (Mark), Dane (Lauren), Marco (Lilla), Alicia (Jimmy), Miranda (Derek), Demi (Ryan); great-grandchildren, Jenna (Nick), Carly (Adam), Hanna, Magnus, Beck, Jack, Brett, Maddie, Adah, Marcus, Otis, Levi, Benjamin and Rose; and great-great-grandchild Nathan. Mom was a unique and rare jewel. She was known for her loving, joyful, easygoing and generous spirit. She had a wonderful heart that not only loved every family member, but many friends as well. People were drawn to her unforgettable sense of humour, her laughter, her wisdom and energy, and her ability to recognize the suffering in others. Mom was always trying to help with her listening heart, her hands, her wise words and her loving support. She started her life in St. Boniface on October 10, 1919. She attended school at St. Adolphe Convent, St. Joseph's Academy and went on to business college. Her education became valuable in her work career with De Leeuw Lumber and later DELBRO Real Estate. We are thankful for and inspired by the active and independent lifestyle she maintained throughout her 96 years. Mom had been a long- time member of the Catholic Women's League of the Belgian Sacred Heart Church, eventually taking the responsibilities of president. For many years, she was an active member of the St. Boniface Optimist Mrs. Club. She loved reading, playing cards, stained glass and paper tolle, making flower arrangements, a good joke and having a martini with her special friends. Mom always made it known that to be surrounded by her family and enjoying their company was the dearest and most precious part of life. Mom was always ready for a new experience, no matter how close or how far it took her. When driving, she would often declare that she never got lost, but went on "unexpected adventures". She travelled throughout Canada, the US and many countries in Europe, including Sweden and Croatia. She and dad enjoyed several winters of their retirement at their home in Mesa, Arizona. The place that truly was her favourite was their cottage at Clearwater Bay on Lake of the Woods. She loved to sit in her "Birdhouse" overlooking the lake and watching her ever growing family work and play. Mom never wanted to stop learning. In her 80's, she had the incredible courage to take on the computer world, even learning to SKYPE. For the latter part of her life until her passing, she lived in Marina Del Rey, where she enjoyed many new and dear friends who she socialized with and who helped and supported her in so many ways. For this she was truly grateful. Mom's engagement of life was an inspiration to all who knew her. We welcome family and friends to join us in a funeral mass celebrating her extraordinary life at Mary Mother of the Church, 85 Kirkbridge Drive, Fort Garry, at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 16, 2016. If you wish to honour her life in a special way, you can make a donation to CancerCare Manitoba or the MS Society and pray for her as she continues her journey home! The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.com

Make a donation to

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 11, 2016