Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 12:00 a.m.
Theresa Vanden Dungen
1940 – 2023
Theresa was born in Gramsbergen, Holland on October 18, 1940. She was the fifth of 13 children born to John and Anna Stroeve. The Stroeve family immigrated to Canada in May of 1956. She met and married the love of her life, Gerald, in Canada and they settled on the Vanden Dungen family farm near Vauxhall, Alberta.
Theresa was born in Gramsbergen, Holland on October 18, 1940. She was the fifth of 13 children born to John and Anna Stroeve. The Stroeve family immigrated to Canada in May of 1956. She met and married the love of her life, Gerald, in Canada and they settled on the Vanden Dungen family farm near Vauxhall, Alberta.
Theresa spent her life in the service of others and loved life on the farm. Her gardens and yard were her pride and joy and she loved walking in nature and in the coulees. Her church and community were an important part of her life and she frequently volunteered and helped others. Her love of others was genuine and countless people have felt her love and care over the years.
She fought a long battle with cancer with grace and strength for over 12 years. She continued to live her life with her usual determined attitude throughout that time. She spent many hours at the Jack Ady Cancer Centre and the family is deeply grateful for the expert and compassionate care. Mom held a special place in her heart for each of you, in particular Dr. Benke and nurse Tanya. In recent months, her condition declined, resulting in the decision to experience the comfort of St. Michael’s in her final days, surrounded by her loving husband and family.
Gerald and Theresa were married for 57 years, and their relationship was an inspiration to all who knew them.
Her children consider themselves greatly blessed to have had such a beautiful example of love in their mother. Dan (Lorry) Vanden Dungen, Lisa (Paul) Romaniuk, Shelley (Wayne) Boras, and Ken (Lana) Vanden Dungen will miss her deeply.
Her grandchildren were the light of her life. She was proud of all of them, and she would give them her full attention and love. She will be greatly missed by Matt (Jill), Graeme (Catherine), Nicolas (Melissa), Keiran (Stephanie), Aidan, Lucas, Erik, and John Paul Vanden Dungen; Carlin, Brettin, and Sierra Parkin; Jared (Grace), Logan, and Adam Boras; Santana, Sadie, Javin, and Eva Vanden Dungen. She adored her great-grandchildren Scotlynn, Isaac, and Cassius and her face lit up when she met her youngest great-grandchild just before she passed.
Theresa’s extended family was very important to her. Her sisters were her close friends, and she treasured them. She will be missed by her siblings Mary, Ben, Riek, Ann, Fenny, John, Joe, Ria, and Wilma, as well as their spouses, her godchildren, many nieces and nephews, in-laws and extended family.
She was predeceased by her parents John and Anna Stroeve, as well as her siblings Herman, Jerry, and Diane Stroeve and many special in-laws, including her father and mother-in-law Frank and Maria Vanden Dungen.
Theresa’s faith and family were the centre of her life. We will always remember and be inspired by the example she was to all of us.
A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at 7:00 P.M. with Deacon Brian Kinahan officiating.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARTHA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 355 Columbia Blvd. West, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. with Father William Monis celebrating. Both the Prayer Service and Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Theresa’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
Following the Funeral Mass, Theresa will be laid to rest in Royal View Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Canadian Cancer Society (cancer.ca)
Guestbook (11)
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Hi Gerald, Dan, Lisa, Shelley, Ken and your families. I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Theresa was like an aunt to us and holds a very special place in our hearts. I will forever cherish her kindness and beautiful smile. My thoughts are with you all at this time and I send you lots of love.
Very sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
We are deeply saddened by your loss. We have fond memories of your mom. Sending our condolences to the whole family. Our hearts are with you .
Dear Gerald, Children and grandchildren, Our sincere condolences to you with the passing of Theresa. May the Lord comfort you in this time of sorrow. She will be missed by so many people.
To Gerald and Family, Kevin and I were saddened to hear about Theresa's passing. Theresa was a beautiful soul, and it was our privilege to get to know her. Both of you have been such a part of our faith journey when Kevin went through RCIA and we became part of the Parish at St. Martha's. Theresa was a lady unlike any other and her strength, faith, service and beautiful smile will always be a part of what we remember about her. Our thoughts and prayer are with you all, may God's ever present love guide you.
Dear Gerald and all your family, I am sorry to hear of Theresa's passing. Although I've not been at a Live-in for a while I fondly remember you both there. Her gentleness, support, faith was an inspiration to me. I am keeping you and all your family in thought and prayer. May your precious memories of your times together help you all through this time of sorrow. May she Rest In Peace. In deepest sympathy,
We are saddened at the loss of such a beautiful friend as Theresa. Condolences, Gerald, and to all the Van Den Dungen and Stroeve Family. Praying for you all!
My condolences to Gerald and family vanden Dungen
We are so very saddened to learn of Theresa’s passing. Surely a great loss for you and your children Gerald; and all of her “family” and close friends! Please be assured of our sincere, heartfelt condolences. Theresa was a lovely lady, indeed, and will be missed very much by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
To the entire family/friends of Oma Theresa....we extend our deepest sympathies to you all. We were lucky to have been able to meet her; and fondly remember her warm smile; her genuine love of her family; and how welcome she made us feel. Sending prayers and love to you all at this most difficult time. Respectfully, the Varsanyi and Rybchuk families (Regina, SK)
Our deepest sympathies on Theresa’s passing. We’ll remember her as a woman with a great love to all who crossed her path. She had a gift of being able to make every conversation she had very special to whomever she was speaking with. Her faith in Jesus was strong and that love shone bright from her. She will be missed by all who knew her.