September 19, 1938 - August 29, 2018
It is with heavy hearts and sadness that we announce the passing of our dear sister and auntie Germaine Amelia Marie Louise Van Straten, at the age of 79 years, 22 days short of her 80th birthday.
Germaine was born on the farm on September 19, 1938, the third oldest child in a family of fifteen children to Nanning and Irene Van Straten.
Germaine started her schooling at the Aunger, Laketon country schools and continued in Big Valley when the school buses started doing the county pick up in 1951. Germaine worked hard, on the farm in the house and garden and was a great help to our mother as a babysitter, cook and baker.
When the Big Valley school burnt down Germaine went to Castor and finished her schooling there while working at the Catholic Hospital and living in the dormitories.
Germaine was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2008 and really struggled with the challenges of dementia over the past 10 years. Residing in long-term care since 2008 she passed away peacefully in the early morning of August 29, 2018 at the Bethany Collegeside Centre in Red Deer, Alberta.
Germaine was predeceased by her father Nanning Van Straten in 1985; mother Irene (nee Tupin) Van Straten in 1995; sister Norma in 1948; sister Yvonne Johnson in 2011; brother Bernard in 2004 and brother Norman in 2010.
Germaine is survived by her brothers: Gilbert (Eilleen), Jean (Annie), Eldon (Dale), Louis and Kenneth (Remi); sisters: Theresa Van Straten, Amelia Van Straten, Elizabeth (Joe) Knowles, Irene (Dale) Hankins and Bernadette (Doug) Haustein; as well as nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces and many other relatives.
Funeral Mass was held Saturday, September 1, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Christ-King Catholic Church, Stettler, Alberta with Father Mirek Kostarzewski officiating. Graveside followed at the Lakeview Cemetery in Stettler. Reception and Fellowship followed in the Parish Hall with the CWL serving the lunch.
In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be directed to the Bethany Collegeside, Christ-King Catholic Church c/o Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium, Box 1780, Stettler, AB T0C 2L0, 403-742-3422, who have been entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements. To send or view condolences to the family, please visit www.stettlerfuneralhome.com.
