Obituary of Mary Steen

The Steen and D’Hondt families announce with profound sadness the passing of Mary Steen on August 16, 2024 at the age of 97 years. Born in 1927 in Sint-Gillis-Waas, Belgium to Frans D’Hondt and Gerardina (Heyndrickx) D’Hondt.

Beloved wife of the late Andrew Steen (2022). Also predeceased by and infant daughter Mary Anne (1953). Survived by her sister Godlieve Bangma and also by sisters-in-law Irene D’Hondt, Alphonsine Joyce and Marion Lucio and by brothers-in-law Joe Lucio and Joe Korpan.

Predeceased by Brothers Hubert and Joe and Sister Jeanne Casier and also by sisters-in-law Mary Steen, Anne Korpan and Margaret Decan and by brothers-in-law Peter Rose, George Steen, Medard Decan, Alfred Joyce, George Casier and Fred Bangma. Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Mary Emigrated with her family to Canada in 1948. She met and married Andrew in 1952. As a team, they worked very hard together farming all their lives; retiring and spending their winters in Florida for many years. She had many friends in the U.S., Belgium and England which Mary kept in touch with.

It made her day when she would receive a letter or phone call from one of their acquaintances. She loved to read, always sitting by a window with a book, magazine or newspaper in her hand. This was her escape.

Mary was very strong and clever lady. Having had to deal with the destruction of Europe in the Second World War, and coming to a totally new country. She self-educated herself and adapted very quickly to her new homeland. She was always very proud of being a Canadian.

We would like to thank the staff of Meadow Park Nursing Home for the wonderful care which they provided to both Mary and Andrew for so many years, Tis not an easy job they do.

Resting at the Hinnegan-Peseski Funeral Home, 156 William St. S., Chatham (519-352-5120) on Wednesday morning August 21, 2024 from 10 am til 11 am.

A Service will then be conducted in the Chapel at 11 am.

Interment to follow in St. Anthony’s Cemetery.

Donations to the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation or the Chatham-Kent Hospice Foundation would be appreciated.