Houtekamer, Jeanette Armelle

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother and grandmother, JEANNETTE ARMELLE HOUTEKAMER, in Lethbridge on Sunday, November 15^th, 2020 at the age of 89 years.

Jeannette is survived by her loving children: daughter Tweela Houtekamer (Paul Lowrie) and their children Nathan and Brenna; son Jack Houtekamer (Joni Kwan) and their children Adam (Kate) and Sara Jo (Gerrit); and daughter Cheryl Houtekamer (Ken Langille) and their children Megan (Spencer) and Bryn (Daniel). She was predeceased by her husband, Martin Houtekamer, in 2005 and her brother, Rod Lambert, in December 2018.

Jeannette was born in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan on April 18^th, 1931 to Leon and Noella Lambert. Leon farmed nearby, south of the French-speaking community of Dollard. The family also lived briefly in California during the Great Depression. Mom finished her high school in Kimberly, BC. She was an excellent student who always had dreams of being a nurse. She moved to Lethbridge with her cousin and worked at the Galt Hospital as a nursing assistant and this is where she met her future husband who was a patient there following a mining accident.

Mom dealt with several chronic health conditions throughout her life yet managed to work part or full time, raise three children and keep an immaculate house. She was a hard working, independent and strong woman who knew the value of a dollar. A talented seamstress, she would buy and take apart second hand clothes to make new clothing items for her children from the best bits. She was an excellent cook and baker, and was busy each fall canning or freezing produce from Dad's huge garden. Mom was always on the go and her hands were always busy sewing, crocheting, knitting, doing cut work, stitching, holding a fishing rod, making and bringing soup, pies or buns to family or a neighbour, or hugging grandchildren. All of us have at least one item of clothing, one afghan and one recipe that came from her. Blankets for Canada also benefitted from her busy hands.

Mom had an amazing memory for details of her early life, for places and people, and was a great story teller. She loved nothing better than a good visit where she could share these stories. Even recently, she could tell you how to take apart and clean a cream separator, how to pluck and dress a newly killed chicken, or how to blacken a wood stove. She was a long-time member of the St. Basil's CWL and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Royal Canadian Legion. After becoming a member of St. Martha's parish 15 years ago, she took pride in delivering communion to homebound parishioners. Mom had very high expectations of her children and grandchildren, surpassed only by her fierce love and her pride in all of their accomplishments.

Mom's battle with cancer was a difficult one. She died as she lived, independent, strong, on her own terms and in her own time with a heart that just wouldn't stop. She was well loved and will be missed.

Due to Covid-19, a Memorial Service will be planned and announced at a future time. Cremation and Interment entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home.