On January 20th Anne passed away in her 97th year. Beloved wife to the late Gerald, to whom she was married for 56 years. Cherished mother of Mary Ann Soenen (Fred), of Tillsonburg and Diane DeCoene (Joanne Bugaresti), of Kitchener. Sister of Josephine DeKeers, of Paris, ON and godmother to Josephine’s daughter, Jeannine Eitel, of Port Stanley. She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Lisa DeVos (Chris Garrett) and Cheryl Hedges (Don) and great-grandchildren Dustin and Courtney DeVos (Shayne), Brad Hedges (Katrina), Nikole Brearley (Jonathan), and sister-in-law Judy Lesage (Andy). Predeceased by her brothers Alphonse, Gus and Andrew Loncke.
Anne and Jerry grew tobacco for Bob McDowell and then for his son Randy and wife Dayle, for over 50 years. Together they had a strong commitment to family and the local community. They welcomed new family members with enthusiasm, gracing them with the full bounty of Anne’s excellent baking and warm hospitality. Over the years, Anne and Jerry enjoyed countless quality hours with their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Anne hosted the holiday, birthday, and graduation gatherings for the entire family. When Jerry developed dementia, Anne became his primary caregiver at home on the farm, and when home life was no longer sustainable, Anne visited Jerry daily and fed him lunch at Delhi Long Term Care. As was her nature, she also regularly supplied brownies or squares for the staff.
Anne was an avid reader and a ferocious bingo and double rummy player. Her bingo partners Judy and Andy regularly took jaunts to various bingo halls, even as far as Niagara Falls. Her sister was her greatest competitor in double rummy. A strong community leader, Ann was founder of the Langton Catholic Women’s League and a member of for 68 years. She was a member of the Langton Women’s Institute, receiving her 70-year pin in 2020. In Anne’s retirement years on the farm, Gilbert and Diane Lesage and Susie and John Barth and her sons were stalwart supporters and critically important members of Anne’s extended family.
In keeping with Anne’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A private graveside service will take place on January 30th, 2021 in the Sacred Heart Cemetery, Langton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to Caressant Care Courtland would be appreciated and can be made through the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes- Burial and Cremation Services inc., Langton (519-842-4238) or directly (by cheque) to Caressant Care, Courtland (4850 Norfolk County, HWY 59, Courtland, ON N0J 1E0). Please specify for resident patio furniture on the cheque, as the patio provided Anne and her friends with many hours of pleasure.
“The family wishes to express their deepest thanks to Dr. Dockx and to Michelle and her staff at Caressant Care, Courtland, for their compassionate care, empathy, and respect.”
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Anne Mary DeCoene January 20th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Tillsonburg, Province: Ontario