Obituary of Barbara Laevens

LAEVENS: Barbara Martha. A resident of Chatham, Barb passed away at her home in Southside Estates, Chatham on March 5, 2013, after a 2-year battle with cancer, with the love of her life and dancing partner, husband Julius Laevens by her side. Born in Kirkland Lake, daughter of the late Joseph Marshalek (1985) and Gertrude (Kaczmarek) Marshalek-Wlasniak (1949). Forever in the hearts of her daughters and their families, Debbie and Richard Malott of Morpeth and grand-daughters Amanda and Dezarae (Gavin Kemp); Amy and Leigh Moore of Inwood and grand-daughters Melissa (Mitch Conliffe), Allison (Curtis Reimer), Christie and Carly; Trudy and Ian Bustard of Grand Bend and grand-daughters Amanda (great-grandsons Bradyn and Nathan), and Jade (Lance Rondeau) (great-grand-daughter Cara); Gerilyn and Derek Foster of Juriquilla, Mexico, and grandchildren Ashley and Brandyn; Samantha and Joseph Shibley of Burlington, and grandsons Patrick (Alicia) (great-grand-daughter Grace), Matthew (Sarah) (great-grand-daughter Danielle) and Christopher. Will be forever missed by her sister and best friend Monica Wright, nephew Steve and Lynn Martin, nieces Michelle and Marco Convertino, and Lori, great-niece Bryanna, her aunt Rose Zawrot, cousin Judy Masterson, niece Cindy Marshall, and nephews Danny (Ellen) Marshall and Darren Lalonde. Predeceased by brother Edward Marshall (1997), sister-in-law Anne Marshall (1979), sister Lucille Lalonde (2012), and cousin Stephen Zawrot (2012). Dear step-mother of Charlene (Laevens) and Larry Blair and their children Amy and Beth-Ann; Ken Laevens and Renee Morrison and their daughter Meagan Morrison; Dave and Colleen (Sherwood) Laevens and their children Becky Laevens and Wes Bennett, Scott and Melissa Laevens, Bonnie and Mike Grin, Jenny and Steve Roberts; and 11 great-grandchildren. Also survived by Julius' brother Jim and Claudia Laevens, and sister Germaine Pynenbrouck. Barb loved to dance at the Legion, yard sale with her sister Monica, and putter in her flower gardens. Family was the most important priority throughout her life, and her passing has left a legacy of love for all who knew her. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 5425 Tecumseh Line, Tilbury East Township on Friday, March 8, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. (visiting at Church from 9:30-10:30 a.m.) with Fr. John Johnson the celebrant. Donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com. McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, Ontario (519)351-2040.