Jeanne Verniest (nee Van De Spiegle) of Altamont, MB passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2015, at the Lorne Memorial Hospital at the age of 87 years. Jeanne leaves to mourn her passing: sons Larry Verniest of Calgary, AB and Garry Verniest of Altamont, MB, brothers Vic (Perry) Van De Spiegle of Treherne, MB, Raymond (Madeline) Van De Spiegle of Holland, MB, sisters Laura Grift and Emma Shwaykosky of Holland, MB, sister-in-law Elodie Van De Spiegle of Somerset, MB, adopted grandchildren Kim Cabernel of Portage La Prairie, MB, Allison Cabernel of La Salle, MB and Avery Vrooman of Calgary, AB as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Jeanne was predeceased by her husband Maurice Verniest, parents Albert and Romaine (nee Spitaels) Van De Spiegle, brothers and sisters Irma (Leon) Almey, Jules Van De Spiegle, Julia (Arthur) Paquette and Camille Van De Spiegle, and brothers-in-law Gerald Grift and Allan Shwaykosky. Jeanne was born near Swan Lake on October 11, 1927. She grew up in the Bruxelles area on a mink ranch. At the age of 15 she began to work on other farms in the area helping out with household chores. While working at Timmermans she met Maurice Verniest and they married in 1948. They operated their own dairy farm, selling it in 1963 and buying another dairy farm at Altamont. They sold the farm in 1976. Jeanne and Maurice celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 1998. Jeanne had many interests including; taking pictures and creating photo albums; reserching family history and creating five family history books with lots of help from other family members especially a couple who were more computer literate than her; preserving local history through her involvement with the Altamont Archival Society; playing cards; baking wedding cakes and doing crafts; gardening; houseplants; and wildlife of which she loved owls in particular. Jeanne spent many hours volunteering for The Gathering of Nations, Red Cross and numerous local events. She was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand. Jeanne loved to travel and see new places. Whether it was a holiday in BC or a wedding in Newfoundland, she thoroughly enjoyed it. Belgium was Jeanne's favorite destination as she travelled there four times, the last trip at the age of 82. She did a lot of sightseeing but more important to her was visiting with family there. Other countries she visited were Germany, France, Netherlands and England. Over the four trips she travelled with many of her siblings and both her sons. Throughout her life, Jeanne continued to make friends wherever she went. Jeanne was always on the go! In the few days before her passing she spent the weekend putting the final touches on her 5th family history book, played Bien at the Swan Lake Friendship Center on Tuesday and entertained company on Wednesday. Some words that have been used to describe her are "spunky", "unique", "kind", "always happy", "Sweet", "the Energizer Bunny" and "a special lady". However the three most important words would be "friend", "family" and "Mom". Wherever a beautiful soul has been, a trail of beautiful memories has been left behind. Prayers were held at St. John Berchmans Catholic Church, Holland, MB at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday January 27, 2015. Mass of Christian Burial was held from the St. Patrick Catholic Church, Manitou, MB at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday January 28, 2015, Father Richard Machura celebrant. Internment followed in the Altamont Community Cemetery. Memoriams may be made in Jeanne's memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 6 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0K6, The Canadian Red Cross, 570 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0G4, or to a local charity of your choice.

Visitation Details

Tuesday, January 27th, 2015 7:30pm, St. John Berchmans Catholic Church

Service Information

Wednesday, January 28th, 2015 10:00am, St. Patrick Catholic Church

Interment Details

Altamont Cemetery