Justina Devauld -
Mom, Gramma, Great Gramma
Dec. 30, 1920 - May 4, 2005
Justina Devauld of Vanderhoof peacefully passed away the evening of May 4th, with loving family and caring nurses at her side.
Justina “mom” was born in Neuanlagne, Saskatchewan. In 1942 she moved with her family to Vanderhoof (Bearhead area). She worked as a cook and waitress at the Vanderhoof and Endako hotels.
At the age of 26 she underwent extensive hip surgery in Rochester Minnesota. At 29 she was able to return to work as a waitress in the Silver Grill in Vanderhoof.
On July 29, 1950, mom married dad, Alfred John Devauld, and in 1951 they built our family home on Stewart Street, where she lived until she entered the hospital in February.
Mom cherished her role as wife and mother. She sewed and knitted all the family clothing and loved to craft. Family gatherings included fried chicken dinners, cinnamon buns, and a family game of cards. She enjoyed camping, picnics, berry picking and family visits.
Mom’s faith was her comfort. She was actively involved with the First Memorial United Church (choir, Sunday School teacher, “Explorers” leader, U.C.W.)
In 1990, just short of 40 years of marriage, dad passed away. Mom surrounded herself with family, which now included grandchildren and then great grandchildren. They were the joy of her life.
Mom’s garden was her passion and a healing place for her. Her tulips and sweetpeas delighted many passersby. She also carried on the tradition of a large vegetable garden until two years ago, filling her cooler and freezer with preserves.
Mom was predeceased by parents, Heinrich & Katherina Klassen, husband Alfred, stepfather Isaac Funk, brothers & sisters: Heinrich, Henry, Mary, Pete, Jake, Annie, Abe, Katie, Dave, Helen & John.
She will be forever in the hearts of: daughter: Isabelle (David) Pacholuk-Courtenay, sons: Eugene (Sue), & Richard (Brenda); grandchildren: Chanda Pacholuk (Allen Gage) - Victoria, Candice Pacholuk-Courtenay, Jamie (Melani) Devauld, Jan (Jeremy) Penner, Michelle Devauld (Troy Martens); and R.J. (Nikki) Devauld, Chris and Meagan Devauld-Victoria; great grandchildren: Bobbi & Colby Devauld, Julian & Dylan Penner, and Braeden Devauld; stepdaughter Joyce (Charlie) Burkitt - Prince George; sister Elizabeth Borgun - Prince George, many nieces and nephews, and many friends and neighbours.
A celebration of mom’s life was held May 10th at First Memorial United Church with her friend and minister, Reverend, Jenny Carter, officiating. Under sunny skies and with the church and family blessing, mom (with dad at her side once again) was laid to rest at the Vandehroof Cemetery. Lunch was served by mom’s dearest friends, the UCW, in the church hall.
In mom’s memory, donations may be made to the Nechako View Sr. Citizens Home Society or the First Memorial United Church.
There is peace in a garden
A peace so deep and calm
That when the heart is troubled
It’s like a soothing balm.
There’s life within a garden
A life that still goes on
Filling the empty places
When older plants have gone.
There’s glory in the garden
At every time of year.
Spring Summer Autumn Winter
To fill the heart with cheer.
So ever tend your garden
Its beauty to Increase
For in it you’ll find solace
Within it you’ll find peace
Sweetpeas and tulips, peas and carrots, will soon be growing in heaven.