Angele McKenna

ANGELE GERTRUDE McKENNA 1928 2009 It is with profound sadness but with a sense of peace we announce the passing of Angele at Royal University Hospital on January 16th, 2009. Angele was born on May 8th, 1928 in Chernowitz, Bukovina Romania (formerly Austria). Angele is survived by her beloved husband, Dr. Brian McKenna; daughter, Michele (Barry Nestor); her step grandchildren, Carlie and Cameron Nestor; sisters-in -law, Del McKenna; brothers-in-law, John and Barry McKenna; nephew, Brian McKenna; nieces, Verna McKenna (John O'Halloren), Donna McKenna (Eric Furlong); five great nephews, one great niece (all in Ireland); Aunt Yvonne DuPlessis; cousins, Evelyne Peroux, Alain Tucheman and their families (all in Paris). Angele was predeceased by her parents, Dominique Muhldorf and Charlot DuPlessis; infant daughter, Jane; sisters-in-law, Marie McKenna, Betty McKenna; brother-in-law, Denis Mckenna; in-laws, Angela and Denis McKenna and Surrogate Aunt Lisl Hoffman. Angele struggled over the years with the horrific memories of having survived her capture and confinement in Siberia at the age of 11 years when Romania (formerly Austria) was invaded by the Soviet Russian Army in June 1941 under the Josep Stalin Regime. With careful planning and underground assistance; Angele's family were able to assist in Angele's successful escape following six years of confinement. Sadly, Angele never saw her parents again as they were also captured and separated from her where they remained imprisoned in Siberia for the rest of their lives. Angele was known for her glamorous beauty, eccentric manner, aristocratic character, keen sense of humour, loving generosity, devoted friendship, her love for her family and profound faith in God. Angele attended the Sorbonne University in Paris where she studied Language Arts and History. In 1956 Angele met the love of her life Brian who was working as a resident surgeon in London, England. They were married in 1959 and moved to Canada to begin their new life. Angele's passionate ambition enhanced her career endeavours. Namely, Angele's success as a real estate owner/property manager and her love of animals which encouraged her ability to successfully breed Miniature Yorkshire Terriers as well as attain Championship Titles in the many dog shows she entered. Angele's love of travelling took her to many places around the world. She adored the theatre, art, culture, history, languages and remained fluent in German and French. Angele's flare for interior decorating provided her family with a lovely home where she enjoyed entertaining their many dear friends. She especially treasured sharing time with friends/family in the backyard swimming pool. Angele was plagued with health problems for most of her life. The latter years being the most challenging as she lived bravely with chronic illness, pain and paralysis as an invalid. May you live beautifully in Heaven our darling Angele. You will always be our precious angel. We will love and miss you forever. Many thanks to Father Bill Bernard, her caregiver Gilda Leabres, Home Care Staff, Dr. Ron Kozakavich, Dr. Andy McFadden, and the many Doctors and nurses at RUH for their endless dedication in the care of Angele. The Vigil of Prayer will take place on Friday evening, January 23rd 2009 at 7:30 p.m. and the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday morning January 24th 2009 at 10:30 a.m. Both services will take place at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church (8th Street and Broadway Ave.) Immediately following the Service on Saturday morning, all are invited to join the family at a reception, at the W. A. Edwards Centre (4th Ave. and 25th St.) courtesy parking at Saskatoon Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society ( 438 2nd Ave. N. Saskatoon SK S7K 2C3.) or a charity of your choice. Email condolences may be sent to mail@saskatoonfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Saskatoon Funeral Home.