Margaretha Sylvia CAMMAERT (Antheunis)
Mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, entrepreneur and all around class act
Born in 1915, Yzendyke,Holland, died September 18, 2013, Tottenham, Canada Eldest of 6 children of Rosalie and Leonard Antheunis, Mom was a source of strength to her mother in overseeing the operation of their farm during her father’s illness. At the young age of 18, Mom opened her own millinery store “ Maison Antheunis “ in Rosendaal, Holland, where she was doted upon by the older merchants and admired for her business savvy, taste and creativity. She travelled frequently to France and Belgium in search of new styles and goods for her shop. In 1939 she met and married the handsome Johannes Cammaert and in quick succession, they had 5 children – Gus, Lia, Yvonne, Denise and Paul. Surviving WW2 , Mom and Dad immigrated to Canada on the ship de Groote Bear, living first in Mitchell and then London, Ontario. Life was difficult in a new country, but together they forged a new life for their family, to which they added one more daughter, Dorothy. Dad died in 1984 and Mom moved to Toronto, and then in 1998 graced us with her presence in Dorothy’s home in Tottenham. In 2006, Mom suffered renal failure and was given days to live. She decided to continue another 7 years before slipping away on her own terms. A woman of pride, Mom was recognizable everywhere for her stylish attire, always wearing a hat, gloves and heels. Mom set a high standard for all of us, and we know she is watching us still. Deepest thanks to family members and the many caregivers who took care of mom in her later years. Greatly missed and gratefully remembered by her children Gus Cammaert (Rosemary) of Eganville, Rosalia Strickland (Albert) of London, Yvonne Cammaert of Nassau, Denise Cammaert of Toronto, Paul Cammaert of Trenton, Dorothy Cammaert (Jon-Jo Douglas) of Tottenham and her grandchildren Kristin Fiebig (Kevin), Simone Howard (Hugh), Angelique Mori (Brian), Jason Cammaert (Lisa), Carly Gaston (Steve), Adrian Cammaert (Jayme), Rebecca Coulthart (Doug), Meghan Moss (Norman), Alexandra Douglas, Jana Douglas, Mackenzie Douglas and her great grandchildren Emma, Olivia, Abigail, Liam, Ryan, Aaron, Annalies, Maggie, Henry, Logan, Mason, Calum, Adelaide and by her sister Agnes Fassaert of Roosendaal, the Netherlands, sister in law Cornelia Antheunis of Roosendaal, the Netherlands.
Mass will be celebrated at St. James Catholic Church, Colgan, Ontario at 12:00 noon, Saturday, September 21st, 2013. Interment at St. Peter’s Cemetery, London, Monday, September 23, 2013, 12:00 noon. In lieu of floral tributes donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of Greater Simcoe County P.O. Box #1414, Barrie, L4M 5R4 will be gratefully appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Rod Abrams Funeral Home Tottenham, 905-936-3477. www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com
jennifer fuscaldo says
Your mother was a pleasure. She had colourful stories to
Tell. Good sense of humour. And so proud of all her family. She cherished you all. A sweet lady. Jennifer PSW
Jim Schaefer says
Dear Gus and Family,
So sorry to hear of your loss.
Sending you our prayers and a hug from Baker Street, London.
Jim Schaefer