With sadness, the family of ANNA GERTRUDE “THERESA” VANDEN DUNGEN, beloved wife of Gerald Vanden Dungen, would like to share that she is now at peace in the arms of her Lord. She passed away at St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit in Lethbridge, Alberta, on Friday, December 15, 2023, at the age of 83 years.

Theresa was born in Gramsbergen, Holland on October 18, 1940. She was the fifth of 13 children born to John and Anna Stroeve. The Stroeve family immigrated to Canada in May of 1956. She met and married the love of her life, Gerald, in Canada and they settled on the Vanden Dungen family farm near Vauxhall, Alberta.

Theresa spent her life in the service of others and loved life on the farm. Her gardens and yard were her pride and joy and she loved walking in nature and in the coulees. Her church and community were an important part of her life and she frequently volunteered and helped others. Her love of others was genuine and countless people have felt her love and care over the years.

She fought a long battle with cancer with grace and strength for over 12 years. She continued to live her life with her usual determined attitude throughout that time. She spent many hours at the Jack Ady Cancer Centre and the family is deeply grateful for the expert and compassionate care. Mom held a special place in her heart for each of you, in particular Dr. Benke and nurse Tanya. In recent months, her condition declined, resulting in the decision to experience the comfort of St. Michael’s in her final days, surrounded by her loving husband and family.

Gerald and Theresa were married for 57 years, and their relationship was an inspiration to all who knew them.

Her children consider themselves greatly blessed to have had such a beautiful example of love in their mother. Dan (Lorry) Vanden Dungen, Lisa (Paul) Romaniuk, Shelley (Wayne) Boras, and Ken (Lana) Vanden Dungen will miss her deeply.

Her grandchildren were the light of her life. She was proud of all of them, and she would give them her full attention and love. She will be greatly missed by Matt (Jill), Graeme (Catherine), Nicolas (Melissa), Keiran (Stephanie), Aidan, Lucas, Erik, and John Paul Vanden Dungen; Carlin, Brettin, and Sierra Parkin; Jared (Grace), Logan, and Adam Boras; Santana, Sadie, Javin, and Eva Vanden Dungen. She adored her great-grandchildren Scotlynn, Isaac, and Cassius and her face lit up when she met her youngest great-grandchild just before she passed.

Theresa’s extended family was very important to her. Her sisters were her close friends, and she treasured them. She will be missed by her siblings Mary, Ben, Riek, Ann, Fenny, John, Joe, Ria, and Wilma, as well as their spouses, her godchildren, many nieces and nephews, in-laws and extended family.

She was predeceased by her parents John and Anna Stroeve, as well as her siblings Herman, Jerry, and Diane Stroeve and many special in-laws, including her father and mother-in-law Frank and Maria Vanden Dungen.

Theresa’s faith and family were the centre of her life. We will always remember and be inspired by the example she was to all of us.

A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 7:00 P.M. with Deacon Brian Kinahan officiating.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARTHA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 355 Columbia Blvd. West, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. with Father William Monis celebrating. Both the Prayer Service and Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Theresa’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

Following the Funeral Mass, Theresa will be laid to rest in Royal View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Canadian Cancer Society (cancer.ca)

 

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2023-12-15
• Location : Lethbridge, Alberta