Obituary of H. Anne Haalboom

Anne’’s final message

The family I've cherished and who made me feel cherished:

Husband: Teunis

 

Parents: Florence Chamberlain and (Robert, 2002) Elora

 

John (Oshawa), Chris (Hong Kong), his mother Androulla Hall (Toronto)

James (San Diego), Morgan and Joey, her mother Eileen English (Oregon)

Jackie McKenzie, Jonathan and Brennan, their father Dave (Dundas)

Terry and Lynne, Alex, Sarah, Shon, Jackie and Max (Kitchener)

Helen and John Ruetz, Tom, Eric and Heidi (Waterloo).

 

Siblings & in-laws:

Earl and Joan Chamberlain (Elora)

David and Brenda Chamberlain (Port Elgin)

Heather and Bill Smith (Alma)

Paula and Kees Pyl Hogeweg (The Netherlands)

Ann Roger Steenland (Arizona)

 

Nieces and nephews:

Dana and Rich Biasutto, Maya and Jack (Milton)

Blayne and Gillian Chamberlain, Ewan (Elora)

Blair Chamberlain and Lisa (Port Elgin)

Kevin (Toronto)

and more in the United States, The Netherlands, Switzerland & Israel.

I have had more than my share of all the good things life has to offer. Accidents of birthplace and time, Canada (Middlebrook, near Elora) just after WWII, were major factors in my good fortune, and then a wondrous randomness of people, places and times.

Over time, more than half my life, Teunis and I developed an extraordinarily strong partnership and some wonderful mutually supportive relationships with some very special couples; Martin & Helga Juergensen, Joe & Nadia Martin and Helen & (Adrian, 2009) Van Oostveen. We were very fortunate in having special bonds with Teunis's (Uncle Dick, 2007 & Aunt Marianne, 1996) and their family. I am also full of gratitude for the friends, champions, mentors and kindred spirits found among my many aunts, uncles, cousins, chosen families, classmates, neighbours, colleagues and their spouses.

Most people in my path have accepted my idiosyncrasies. I am now looking for some final indulgences. Please help me make my final footprint positive and light. Instead of a funeral, Teunis and I have sent a donation to Habitat for Humanity. Instead of attending a funeral, make that visit or call that you've been putting off, write the long overdue note of appreciation, or if you haven't been kind to yourself lately, here is the time. I am very sure that such things will do more good and bring more comfort.

My final request is for a toast next Saturday around 5 pm. Please raise a glass of chocolate milk, wine, juice or whatever, wherever you happen to be, with whoever you choose to be with, smile and toast our wonderful shared journey. This is something my far-flung friends and family can participate in too. Thank you for these final gifts.

Cremation arrangements entrusted to Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St. S., Waterloo, 519-745-8445 or www.erbgood.com.