Obituary of Marie GEURTS

MARIE CORNEILIA GEURTS (nee Overwater) It is with much sadness we must say goodbye to our wonderful mother Marie, devoted wife, grandmother, great grandmother and Auntie. Gathered around Mom was her loving family when she was called to be with her saviour, October 31, 2010. Mom was born Dec. 7, 1919 in Carmen, MB. Mom was the youngest of 5 children. While Mom was still a young child the Overwater family moved from Carmen to St. Andrew's where they settled to farm. Mom attended St. Andrews School travelling back and forth with a horse and buggy. Over the years growing up on the farm, Mom attended many a barn dance and parties that were held on their farm residence in the old St. Andrews landmark Overwater barn. Relatives, friends and neighbours were always welcome. Mom was a big part of that social life and entertained guests with her accordion. As a child mom taught herself how to play the accordion and played her favourite polka songs for everyone's dancing pleasure. Music and singing was a big part of mom's life. Mom lived on the farm until she met the love of her life Albert, whom she married Sept. 26th, 1942. They then moved to Bissett, MB where Dad was employed in the San Antonio Gold Mine. Their first 2 children Adelaide and Marie were born there. In 1946 mom and dad moved to St. Andrew's and began to farm. Mom had 9 more children, altogether 3 sons, and 8 daughters. Mom struggled and worked hard all her life to provide for the 11 children they would raise. Mom never complained no matter what was thrown at her. She would always make the best of it. Mom grew a large garden, which in the fall provided her with a large harvest to can. But at the end of a hard days work Mom would always find time to sit down and sing and play her accordion for us children. You could go over on a Sat. evening and find mom listening and singing to tunes on CFRY Sat. Night polka party. Mom's musical talent was passed on to many of her children and grandchildren. She loved to listen to her children play their instruments and sing. Mom was talented in many ways, musical, carpentry, wallpapering, cooking, crocheting, gardening, sewing, but most of all moms proudest achievement in life was her children. Mom's faith and devotion to God was always present. We didn't have much growing up but she taught us the important values in life that makes us the strong family we are now. Mom loved Sundays with her children and grandchildren who would come home to the farm and be altogether as family on Sunday afternoons. She would always make sure she had plenty of home cooked food to feed her children and grandchildren. Later on in Mom's life she became employed at the St. Andrew's Airport, which she immensely enjoyed until her retirement. Mom remained on their farm till she was 90 years old. Mom and Dad just celebrated their 68th anniversary. Their love for each other was strong. Mom was not an avid traveller for she was most comfortable in her own home. Mom loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was so proud of all of them. It seemed to be a constant question to mom "how many grandchildren and great grandchildren do I have now?" Mom had a great sense of humour, which seemed to be a trait shared with her and her brother George. Marie loved and left behind her husband Albert, her 11 children: daughters Marie, Adelaide (Greg), Elizabeth (Ed), Ida (Dennis), Lucille (Greg), Linda (Wayne ), Elaine (Roy), Joanne (Greg) and sons Albert (Tricia), Martin ( Joanne), Robert (Laurette); 32 grandchildren: Cheryl, Richard, Nichole, Sandra, Allen, Amanda, Jackie, Dawn, Jamie, Matthew, Mark, Brent, Chad, Jason, Jill, Jennifer, Jeremy, Tyler, Madison, Jeff, Amber, Samantha, Sarah, Rebekah, Adam, Dylan, Erica, Gregory, Jonathan, Ellyne, Emma, Nathan; 27 great grandchildren: Danielle, Kristine, Darryl, Melissa, Mitchell, Nicholas, Mackenzie, Hailey, Hanna, Alexandria, Zachery, Keenan, Jamison, Juliet, Claire, Gabrielle, Ireland, Sawyer, Brooklynn, Hayden, Easton, Drake, Kayden, Coen, Eric, Ava and Issac. Mom was predeceased by her sisters and brothers Kathleen, John, Ida, and George, also her son in law Joe Willard, and great grandchild Miranda Willard. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Betel Home and the Nursing Staff and Doctors at the Selkirk General Hospital for the time and attention shown to our Mom and family. Prayers will be said Wednesday, Nov. 3 at 7:00 p.m. at St. Theresa's Church, 3597 Main Street, Middlechurch, MB. Mass of the Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday Nov. 4 also at St. Theresa's Church. Interment to follow in St. Margaret's Cemetery. If family and friends so desire donations can be made to the Selkirk Hospital Palliative Care Program, Selkirk, MB. Mom leaves us many cherished memories of her love and generosity, and we will all miss her.