Obituary of De Jager

Victoria Mae De Jager, beloved wife of twenty-three years to Ronald John De Jager passed away peacefully from a nine-year battle with Breast Cancer on Monday, March 27, 2006. Vicky was born on July 10, 1957 in Edmonton, AB to Leonard and Mildred Wheatley. She was one of eleven children. She attended public school in Edmonton graduating with a high school diploma in 1975 from Victoria Composite High School. Upon graduation, she moved out on her own until 1979 when she followed God’s direction and moved to Calgary where she worked as a Para-legal. Vicky met Ron through mutual friends and they were married on December 4, 1982 at Highland Mennonite Brethren Church of Calgary. They were blessed with two daughters, Elise Marie & Arlynn Victoria and one son, Nathaniel Ronald John. Vicky accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior and was baptized at the First Assembly Pentecostal Church in Calgary. Vicky, Ron, Elise and Arlynn went to Zaire for two years of missionary work where Nathaniel was born. Upon completion of their term, they returned to White Rock, BC where they set up their home for the next decade. Vicky and Ron worked together building custom homes with Ron’s parents until relocating to Cochrane, AB in 1998. Vicky looked after the bookkeeping duties for the business as well as other companies. Vicky and Ron built several homes for themselves in Cochrane. Vicky and Ron attend Bow Valley Baptist Church in Cochrane and became members in 1999. Vicky and Ron continued working together at their Project Management consulting business until her passing. Vicky enjoyed her children, old fashioned movies and a good light hearted joke. She would often add a few of her own, which were always enjoyed by all. She enjoyed gardening and warm weather, but raising her children was her top priority. Vicky enjoyed hosting large family gatherings and always made each meal a wonderful experience. Additional guests were always welcome to pull up a chair and join in. Vicky made sure that her children’s scholastic achievements were recognized and all family birthdays were well attended. Family holidays were also very important and she would often take the lead on planning and organizing trips which included Disneyland, Baja, CA, Mexico, Penticton, BC, Costa del Sol, Spain etc. to name a few. Vicky had a gift for organization and for financial responsibility, which her friends and family would often comment on. She would help others with their personal budgets when asked. In her later years, Vicky played drums for the Cochrane Adult Jazz Band. Her sense of rhythm was appreciated by all of the Band members and their Leader, Rob Billington. She actively encouraged her family to pursue their own musical talents. Vicky lived her life to the fullest trusting in God’s guidance in all her decisions. She instilled sound Christian values in her children and taught them to trust God and to always put family first. Vicky is predeceased by her Father Leonard and oldest brother Bill (Judi). She is remembered in life by her husband Ron; daughters Elise Mitchell (Brad) of Blackfalds, AB, Arlynn; son Nathan; her Mother Mildred Wheatley of Edmonton; sisters Evelyn Oakden of Calgary, Patricia Beggs (Randy), Elsie Untereiner (Lance) both of Edmonton, Margaret Wheatley (Ivan) of Coquitlam, BC; brothers Joe, John (Susan), Tom (Colleen), Mike (Robyn) and Lee (Holly) Wheatley all of Edmonton; many nieces and nephews; as well as Parents-in-law, John & Irene De Jager of Cochrane, AB. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Cochrane Funeral Home (369 Railway Street, Cochrane, AB) on Thursday, March 30, 2006 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at the Bow Valley Baptist Church (54 West Aarsby, Cochrane, AB) on Friday, March 31, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at Cochrane Cemetery. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com.. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 – 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: (403) 521-3433. In living memory of Victoria De Jager, a tree will be planted by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Cochrane Funeral Home, 369 RAILWAY STREET, COCHRANE. Telephone: (403) 932-4740.