La célébration de
Denise Ann Marie Streun
17 octobre 1969 –
20 novembre 2018
STREUN, Denise Ann Marie
Born on October 17, 1969, with an open heart, downs syndrome and less than a 5% chance of surviving corrective surgery, Denise not only survived but thrived with an exuberance that brought joy to all family and friends. From the earliest remembrance I can recall her warm smile and enjoyment of life, her happiness to see you as a toddler made her addictive and she really enjoyed the company of others.
In her 3rd year Mom and Dad began to see if she could learn. They cut out flash cards with the words MOM and DAD and placed them on the headboard above each of their heads where they slept. Denise would always come in to their room in the morning to greet them for the start of a new day. One Morning, Dad switched the flash cards to see what would happen. Denise immediately noticed the change and proceeded to put the cards in the correct order. Dad would change them back again and again and Denise would make the necessary changes to restore order to the situation. I can still remember the screams of Joy from Mom, “SHE CAN LEARN, SHE CAN LEARN”!!!!, “WE ARE GOING TO GET BUSY”. Life changed for us that day and within a few weeks were all busy cutting out flashcards and affixing pictures to the flashcards that was representative of the word. Within a year Denise had learned to recite the words on each flashcard and advanced to reading small books considered age appropriate books for “Normal” children. Mom and Dad continued her education at home introducing mathematics and biological sciences. Realizing that a miracle was born into our household, Mom started to lobby the educational system to sell the idea of integrating Denise into a regular school system. Mom’s persistence paid off and by grade 5 Denise started in a pilot “test” project to see if she could handle the environment and learn with the other classmates. Fortunately, Denise had a very wise teacher (Mrs. Tam) who managed Denise’s needs in adapting to the new learning environment and likewise helped the other students accept Denise and participate in her integration. From grade 5 Denise went on to finish grade 12 and graduate with a diploma.
Denise also enjoyed athletic pursuits, swimming, figure skating, and gymnastics which she competed in the Special Olympics for many years and won many provincial titles and represented Canada in world competition for her skating. She also loved hiking, cycling and cross country skiing.
Most significantly in my mind is her courage to stand up the under pressure of oppression, it was never easy for her but she continued to persevere and win over the hearts of many of her oppressors and her effort has made a contribution to the integration of special needs children into education across Canada. Her success was noticed and attention naturally was naturally drawn towards her, she appeared in many newspaper articles and was interviewed by the CBC and Global television Networks. She even composed a 20 minute testimonial chronicling her life, struggles and achievements and delivered it to a crowd of over 600 mothers and fathers of children with Downs Syndrome looking for hope. When she had finished there was not a dry eye in the house.
Denise enjoyed a career just shy by a few months of 25 years of service working for the Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board as a teacher’s aide and librarians assistant. Sadly Denise succumbed to an early onset of Alzheimer’s and went downhill quite rapidly over a 5 year period. In spite of this she maintained a sense of humour, in fact in a visit just last Friday we had her laughing despite the door closing in on her life here.
Many miracles appeared along the way in the last few years to help Denise enjoy a quality of life right up to the end. First on our list is her caregiver Rola. Rola, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your love and care for our sister, in all ways your commitment to her care and to our family you have become a sister to us. We look forward to a continued relationship with you as we all move on from this day. Also, we would like to thank the Hamilton Wentworth Catholic District School Board for the opportunity to be educated and employment and above all the many teachers that showed the true love of Christ through their thoughtfulness, care and love for her. Finally, we would like to thank Victoria Gardens for although small in size it was by far the most personalised and loving environment for the infirmed. We thank all of the staff for your love and care of Denise.
Denise passed away on Tuesday, November 20, 2018, at the age of 49 years. Beloved daughter of the late Gerry and Rita Streun. Loving sister of Hank Streun, Peter Streun (Pam) and Mike Streun (Terry). Cherished aunt to Katie Osborne (Cory), Jacob, Peter, Jessica, Phil, Matthew, Robin and great aunt to Kiera and Cooper. Memorial Visitation at Bay Gardens Funeral Home – “William J. Markey Chapel”, 947 Rymal Road East, HAMILTON (905.574.0405) on Monday, November 26th from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm and from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Parish at Corpus Christi site, 1694 Upper James Street, Hamilton on Tuesday, November 27th at 11:00 am, Burial to follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery, Ancaster. Cremation has taken place. For those who wish, memorial donations made to the Alzheimer Society of Hamilton would be appreciated. Please sign the online Book of Condolences at www.baygardens.ca
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Denise Ann Marie Streun 17 octobre 1969
20 novembre 2018..
Death notice for the town of: Hamilton, Province: Ontario