Parcourez la nécrologie de Francine Verheyden 29/04/1954 01/11/2024 résidant dans la province Alberta pour le détail des funérailles.

Obituary For Francine Verheyden
April 29, 1954 – November 1, 2024
With profound sadness, I (Robin) announce that my sweet mama, Francine Verheyden, took her final breath while in my arms, in the early hours of November 1, 2024.
Mom was born on April 29, 1954, in Belgium. Accompanied by her parents, she and her six siblings – Jean, Josef, Andy, Frank, Martinne, and Albert – emigrated to Canada when she was just a toddler. Her family later welcomed another beloved child, Maryjane, completing their family of 10.
Mom had a colorful life! She held a journalism certificate, for which she was proud. She had hilarious stories of her hitchhiking excursions with friends. She had many fond memories of her time in Montreal, working at a boutique and attending fancy soirées! Eventually, she settled down in Alberta, welcoming three children – Renee, Devon, and me.
Growing up, Mom couldn’t bear to see us kids struggle, and our home often became a refuge for friends in need. Whether it was a hot meal, temporary accommodation, a warm hug, or a listening ear, she welcomed everyone without judgment. Many of our friends affectionately referred to her as ‘mom’ – a testament to her nurturing spirit.
My mom was a compassionate advocate for those in need. Before becoming medically retired, she devoted a lot of her life to caring for others – working as a healthcare aid for individuals with disabilities and at various homeless shelters. She was a monthly donor to The World Food Programme. A few times, having nothing but a hot plate and a small tabletop oven, she baked tirelessly, one small batch at a time, to contribute to charity bake sales. Mom would also give her last dollar and her last cigarette to a person on the street, because «they obviously need it more than I».
Mom also loved animals and had fostered a terminally ill cat, providing love until its final day. She also rescued an affectionate tuxedo cat she called George, after he was abandoned by her neighbors. Through the tribulations of her cancer journey, her sweet ‘Georgie’ provided her with warmth and companionship, and that extra little bit of motivation to keep fighting! George now lives with the kids and me, as a reminder of my mom’s love.
By far, Mom’s greatest joy was her grandchildren. In 2006, she welcomed her granddaughter Ava – affectionately referred to as «sofa head» – and in 2010, a grandson, Harper – her «Buddha». Mom was the first person to hold Ava, and thus they had a very special bond.
Over time, her firstborn children chose different paths, but her heart remained full of love and longing for them.
Mom will be missed by countless friends and family members, but most profoundly by myself, Ava, and Harper, who have spent the majority of our lives with her by our side. I will especially miss our rare but shenanigan-filled beer and karaoke nights (I never could keep up), her incredible home cookin’, her sound advice (and ability to talk me of a ledge), and matching our outfits for every birthday and Christmas.
I would like to thank the many people – friends, family, nurses, doctors, volunteers, and complete strangers – who have demonstrated what love and compassion truly look like, as we navigated her arduous journey through cancer and beyond. There is a special place in our hearts for you, and as a believer in both God and Karma, I know mom will be watching over you. If a feather floats toward you, trust it is a sign she is near.
In lieu of flowers, donations to verheyden.r@hotmail.com to help ease our financial stress, provide comfort through the holidays, and support her Georgie’s ‘snacky’ addiction, would be graciously accepted. Alternatively, in mom’s honor, you may donate to or volunteer at an animal or homeless shelter. But mostly, we ask that you try to reach out to someone you’ve lost touch with, and always take the time to make memories with your loved ones.
Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780-830-7742 info@bcfh.ca

29/04/1954 01/11/2024

Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Francine Verheyden 29/04/1954 01/11/2024..

bearcreek funeral

Décès pour la Ville: Grande-Prairie, Province: Alberta

avis deces Francine Verheyden 29/04/1954 01/11/2024

necrologie Francine Verheyden 29/04/1954 01/11/2024

Nous offrons nos plus sincères condoléances à la famille et aux amis de Francine Verheyden 29/04/1954 01/11/2024 et espérons que leur mémoire pourra être une source de réconfort pendant cette période difficile. Vos pensées et vos mots aimables sont grandement appréciés.