Yvonne Hendrika Cornelia DeCnodder (nee: Schroeyers) was born on May 29, 1921 in the small Belgian town of Doel, situated on the river Scheldt some few kilometers from the port city of Antwerp. She was a cheerful and vivacious girl who could find joy and adventure in life even during the years of war and occupation. She enjoyed camping, biking, tennis, drama plays, picnics on the dykes with her sister Gerta and their friends. When Belgium was liberated she went to work at a Notary’s Office in Antwerp, she joined the “student club” and there met the love of her life, Stan DeCnodder. On October 30, 1948…..they were married in the beautiful church in Doel, a double ceremony with her sister, Gerta & Jos Goegebeur, followed by a lavish dinner and dance in Antwerp. Stan was an electrician and together they opened a store in the town of Herentals where they sold appliances and “anything to do with electricity”. Yvonne looked after the books, and helped out in the store. Over the next few years their family grew, they welcomed a daughter Kristine, son Marc and another son Paul. Yvonne and Stan had friends in Calgary who wrote urging them to come to Canada. In 1955 Yvonne found herself selling & giving away her beautiful furnishings, the business she and Stan had started, packing up the children’s clothes while Stan made crates for some belongings. She said goodbye to all her family not knowing if she would be able to see them again. In September 1955 they crossed the Atlantic on the ship Franconia to Montreal and a week later boarded a train to Calgary. It was a difficult time at first but the years that followed were good. Lifelong friendships were formed as they became part of the community in St. John’s Catholic Church and as Yvonne helped out when Stan was a leader with the 14th St. Johns Scouts. She cooked up many a banquet and good meals as the camp cook! Yvonne started working at the Beltline YWCA, she took cooking classes and was promoted to head cook of the restaurant for the new downtown YWCA. Years later she had the opportunity and challenge of a new job for the City of Calgary Children’s Services at Shaganappi Day Care Centre. She was in charge of the new kitchen, preparing hot cooked full meals for the children there as well three other day cares. She took on the duties and responsibilities of her job happily and with enthusiasm. She retired on April 15, 1989 , an event celebrated with family & Co-workers at a banquet in her honour given by CUPE local 38. Stan had built a beautiful home at Pelican Point on Buffalo Lake, they moved in and quickly immersed themselves in the Bashaw community which they found to be so welcoming. Yvonne was a member of the CWL (Catholic Women’s League) at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and served a term as President. She and Stan were active members of the Happy Gang Centre, Yvonne loved cards, shuffleboard, floor curling, and darts. They served together as hosts at the Tourist Booth during the summer months, at the Thrift Store, as members of the “Friends of the Majestic”. Yvonne loved living at “the lake” walking their two collies twice a day, every day, down the pathways, she discovered a hidden talent for journalism and wrote the Pelican Point of View, for the Bashaw Star. Yvonne, our Mom, Grandma (Bomma), Great Grandma was a person of many talents and qualities but best of all was that she loved us and we loved her. Playing games, singing at the campfire, wearing her “specially knit for you” sweaters, enjoying her delicious meals, (the best Belgian Christmas Dinner), getting hugs, talking, cards was always fun when she was there. Fun-loving, enthusiastic, adventuresome, happy and willing to participate, to join in an activity whether it be going for a walk, playing cards, taking up golf, snowmobiling, jumping out of a canoe late at night for a little dip in the lake. She was a good listener, a wonderful friend, she embraced life enthusiastically and always in a positive way. She touched the lives of so many and all were blessed in knowing her. She passed away peacefully on Monday May 3, 2021 just shy of her 100th birthday. She was predeceased by her husband Stan in 2011. She is survived by her three children, Kris (Bruce) Wells of Killam, Marc (Simone) DeCnodder of Pelican Point, Paul (Shelley) DeCnodder of Calgary. Grandchildren Roger, Danielle, Sherisse, Dayna, Christopher, Dianna, Michael, Nicole, Johnathan as well as 18 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers a donation may be made in Yvonne’s name to the Bashaw Meadows Residents Association or to a charity of your choice.