Mary Van Gaalen

""This I declare that he alone is my refuge,

my place of safety; he is my God, and I am trusting him.""
Psalms 91:2

VAN GAALEN

MARY VAN GAALEN (nee Dykshoorn) of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Matt Van Gaalen, passed into glory on Thursday, April 10, 2008 at the age of 85 years.

Mary was born in the Foremost area on October 10, 1922. She attended Chin Coulee School. On October 17, 1945 she married Matt Van Gaalen and together they farmed for 58 years in Foremost and Wrentham and were blessed with five sons. Because of her love for the Lord she humbly served her husband, family and community. Mary loved the prairie life. She especially enjoyed gardening, praying and caring for her family and graciously serving all those who knew her.

Mary is survived by her children Garth (Sharon); Matt (Brenda); Nick (Lorraine), Harold (Carrie), daughter-in-law Brenda, 15 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren, brother John and sister Tinie, all of whom she loved dearly and in return was dearly loved. She was predeceased by her husband Matthew and 2 sons Kenneth and infant John.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 7:00pm and 8:00pm on Monday, April 14, 2008 at MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 - 4 Street South, Lethbridge.

A Graveside Service will be held at 10:30am on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at the Highfield Cemetery, 15 miles South of Burdett.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at the MARANATHA CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH, 260 McGill Blvd West, Lethbridge, with Reverend John Huizinga officiating.

Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Bibles for Missions, 1004 - 1 Ave South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4C2 or to the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen 802 - 2""A"" Ave North, Lethbridge, AB T1H 0C9