Cecile L. (DeLeemans) Kerkhove

KERKHOVE, Cecile Laurette (DeLeemans)

(May 17, 1940 – February 22, 2023)

             It is with heavy hearts that we the Kerkhove family wish to announce the peaceful passing of our wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, at Elgin Manor, St. Thomas, on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at the age of 82. Predeceased by her beloved husband Roger Kerkhove (January 10, 2012). Cecile was born in Saint-Thomas of Joliette, Quebec to the late Joe and Gabbriella (Goossens) DeLeemans. She is lovingly remembered by her sons and their partners: Jamie (MaryAnne) Kerkhove, of St. Thomas; John (Karen) Kerkhove, of Tillsonburg; Jerry (Sandy) Kerkhove, of St. George. Always a caring grandmother and great-grandmother to: Jessica (Bence) Toth; Linsey (Adrian) Pecile, and their son Nico; Kayla (Alex) Fick, and their daughters Addie and Hannah; Cameron and Josh Kerkhove. Also survived by her sister Elizabeth (Normand) Mousseau, brother Dany (Denyse) DeLeemans, sister-in-law Francoise DeLeemans, as well as by several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Predeceased by her brother Pit DeLeemans and sister Stephanie Erauw (late Paul Erauw). For many years, Cecile and her husband Roger farmed tobacco in the Aylmer area. Cecile was a member of St. Mary’s R.C. Church, Tillsonburg and a long-time member of St. Mary’s Catholic Women’s League.

Friends, neighbours, and relatives are invited to attend public visitation on Wednesday, March 1st, 2023, between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. in the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes- Burial and Cremation Services Inc. Chapel, 262 Broadway, Tillsonburg. A Funeral Liturgy of Christian Burial to honour Cecile’s Life will be held on Wednesday, March 1st, at 11:30 a.m. in the funeral home chapel, by Rev. Fr. Seejo John, of St. Mary’s R.C. Church. To digitally attend a livestream, a direct link can be requested by emailing verhoevefuneral@kwic.com before Tuesday, February 28th or via Cecile’s online tribute page at www.verhoeefuneralhomes.com (where a link will appear under photos and videos on Wednesday morning at 11 a.m.). Private interment to follow. Everyone who knew Cecile is invited to share favourite memories, photos, personal condolences or contribute memorial donations to the “Heart and Stroke Foundation”, the “Alzheimer Society” or to the “Elgin Manor Recreation Dept.” via Cecile’s online tribute page at www.verhoevefuneralhomes.com or by contacting the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes, Tillsonburg (519)842-4238, entrusted with all funeral arrangements.

Special thanks to the doctors and staff of St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital and Elgin Manor, St. Thomas for their compassion and care provided to our mother over these past weeks.