Obituary for Germaine Marie Van Aerde (Verstraeten)
Passed away, peacefully, after a courageous struggle with illness, at the University Hospital, London, on Friday, September 11, 2020, Germaine Marie (Verstraeten) Van Aerde, a resident of Tillsonburg (since 1974), at the age of 91. Born in Stekene, E.F., Belgium daughter of the late Willem “Joseph” Verstraeten and the late Augusta (De Bruyne) Verstraeten. Germaine was always a pleasant lady, with a wonderful smile. She was an outstanding wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who was very proud and caring. She was the family historian and an excellent storyteller of all kinds of memories of past times, covering all events of the last ninety-one years. Germaine was known as a great cook and excellent European style baker. Predeceased by her beloved husband of 48 years, Omer Joseph Van Aerde (August 16, 2000). Loved mother and mother-in-law of Arlene (Mike Tratnik), Stouffville and Maureen Van Aerde, Kingston. Proud and loving grandmother of Allan Tratnik and Matthew Tratnik, Eric Van Aerde (Heidi); and Stephanie (Chris Reid) and their children: Maddox and Dawson. Germaine is survived by a sister-in-law Blanche Hoffman in Belgium and by nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by a son Dr. Michel Van Aerde (August 17, 1999), a son Roger Van Aerde (July 14, 2010), and two brothers Albert Verstraeten (August 5, 2011) (his wife Fern) and Marcel Verstraeten (2019).
Friends and relatives are invited to offer their support and caring by sending flowers, posting photos, tributes, favourite memories, and hugs from home on Germaine’s tribute page at the www.verhoevefuneralhomes.com. Due to COVID safety restrictions, public visitation will be LIMITED to ONLY guests that sign up for specific time to attend. Time slots will be available by visiting Germaine’s tribute page or by calling (519-842-4238) between 9am and 4pm. Each person attending must be listed as a guest. Guests must bring and wear face masks and maintain social distancing rules. Guests are asked not to attend if they are ill, if they have been around someone else who is ill or have travelled. Guests are encouraged to attend only when their time slot begins. If guests arrive too early, they are asked to wait in their vehicle. If guests arrive too late, they may be unable to enter. Public visitation will take place on Monday, September 14th, 2020 in the MAURICE J. VERHOEVE FUNERAL HOMES – BURIAL AND CREMATION SERVICES INC., 262 Broadway Street, Tillsonburg, with two time slots available: 6:00 to 6:45pm and 7:15 to 8:00pm. Parish Prayers will be held on Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. by Deacon Andre DeDecker. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial to be conducted on Tuesday, September 15th, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s R.C. Church, 51 Venison Street West, Tillsonburg by Rev. Father Ben Huyge. Interment follows in the family plot in the Tillsonburg Cemetery. Light luncheon to follow at the Carriage Hall, 25 Brock Street West, Tillsonburg at 12:30pm. Memorial donations in Germaine’s memory to the “St. Mary’s R.C. Church” can be made on the www.verhoevefuneralhomes.com website or by cheque through the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes, Tillsonburg, entrusted with all the funeral arrangements, with confidence.
Friends and relatives are invited to offer their support and caring by sending flowers, posting photos, tributes, favourite memories, and hugs from home on Germaine’s tribute page at the www.verhoevefuneralhomes.com. Due to COVID safety restrictions, public visitation will be LIMITED to ONLY guests that sign up for specific time to attend. Time slots will be available by visiting Germaine’s tribute page or by calling (519-842-4238) between 9am and 4pm. Each person attending must be listed as a guest. Guests must bring and wear face masks and maintain social distancing rules. Guests are asked not to attend if they are ill, if they have been around someone else who is ill or have travelled. Guests are encouraged to attend only when their time slot begins. If guests arrive too early, they are asked to wait in their vehicle. If guests arrive too late, they may be unable to enter. Public visitation will take place on Monday, September 14th, 2020 in the MAURICE J. VERHOEVE FUNERAL HOMES – BURIAL AND CREMATION SERVICES INC., 262 Broadway Street, Tillsonburg, with two time slots available: 6:00 to 6:45pm and 7:15 to 8:00pm. Parish Prayers will be held on Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. by Deacon Andre DeDecker. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial to be conducted on Tuesday, September 15th, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s R.C. Church, 51 Venison Street West, Tillsonburg by Rev. Father Ben Huyge. Interment follows in the family plot in the Tillsonburg Cemetery. Light luncheon to follow at the Carriage Hall, 25 Brock Street West, Tillsonburg at 12:30pm. Memorial donations in Germaine’s memory to the “St. Mary’s R.C. Church” can be made on the www.verhoevefuneralhomes.com website or by cheque through the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes, Tillsonburg, entrusted with all the funeral arrangements, with confidence.