Obituary - Elizabeth DeGagne

Mrs. Elizabeth G. De Gagne of Calgary, formerly of Medicine Hat, beloved wife of the late Emile De Gagne, passed away peacefully at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary on Thursday, December 24, 2009, at the age of 88 years. Elly is survived by a son, Robert (Cheryl) De Gagne and their children, Raymond, Paul, Dennis and Gregory of Edmonton; a daughter, Valerie De Gagne of Calgary; a son, Dr. Theo De Gagne of Vancouver and a daughter, Carmel Love (Michael) and their children, Michelle and Christine. She was predeceased by her husband, Emile, as well as her brother and six sisters. Elly was born in Kellen Germany on January 23, 1921. Her family then moved to Geffen, Netherlands where she grew up with her brother and six sisters. With her twin sister, Hedy, they worked together designing dresses and hats. Elly moved to Canada in 1949, where she met her husband, Emile De Gagne in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Together they raised four children, Robert, Valerie, Theo and Carmel. Following the death of her husband in 1970, with a remarkable strength of character and devotion to her family, she carried forward the family business, owning and operating Columbia Catering in Medicine Hat for 25 years. Elly was an active member of the Roman Catholic Church and was a fervent supporter of Missions in developing countries. Defined by her devotion to family and loyalty to friends, she encouraged all those around her to fulfill their potential. Elly placed great value on facilitating her children’s access to post secondary education and was herself an avid reader, focusing on history and politics. She appreciated art, music, speaking five languages, and took great pleasure gardening, knitting, cooking, cross country skiing, and never missed a Grey Cup game. Elly enjoyed many trips to Holland, visiting her family and also enjoyed traveling throughout Europe. Her greatest achievement was how many lives she positively impacted along the way, in her business with her family; sharing her extraordinary strength, compassion, understanding, and a smile for everyone. Vigil Prayers will be recited at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 - 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Tuesday, December 29, 2009, at 7:00 P.M. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 238 - 2 Avenue N.E., Medicine Hat on Wednesday, December 30, 2009, at 10:30 A.M. with Reverend Father Gilles LeBlanc celebrant. Interment will follow at the Hillside Cemetery.