Moira Vandevenne

Moira Noble “Dearie” O’Brien Vandevenne 1926 - 2015 passed quietly surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and the very caring family of Marshall Gowland Manor on Sunday April 5, 2015 at the age of 89. Moira is the daughter of the late Robert and Mary (Noble) O’Brien. Loving wife of the late Joseph David Vandevenne. Cherished mother of James (Cathy), John (Roberta), Mary Jane Shin (Paul), Brian (Tracy), Margaret Thorn (Carson), Martha Thompson, Ron (Richelle), David, Joe (Kathleen), 24 Grandchildren and 12 Great Grandchildren. Survived by her brothers Alex, Duncan and Laird O’Brien and her sisters-in-law Helen Vandevenne and Josephine Sullivan. Predeceased by her son Paul, 1 grandson, 6 brothers and 2 sisters. Moira was raised on a Harwich Township tobacco farm, graduated from the Chatham Business School in 1946, worked for Dr. Pickering in Blenheim and moved to a Sombra Township farm upon her marriage to Joseph Vandevenne in 1952. On Bickford Line and later Bentpath Line Joe and Dearie built a family of 10 with roots that her strong Irish heritage could provide. In 1973 a tragic accident claimed Joe’s life and Dearie went on to raise her children on her own. In 1980 another fatal accident claimed her son Paul. Moira cared for others as a Red Cross Homemaker throughout the 1980’s. She will always be remembered for her positive attitude and dedication to family along with an art of baking butter tarts. Dearie was a strong woman who spent many years caring for the needs of others. The family is very grateful for the care offered to her for the last few years by the dedicated staff of Marshall Gowland Manor. The family will receive relatives and friends at the HAYCOCK-CAVANAGH FUNERAL HOME, 409 Nelson Street in Wallaceburg on Tuesday from 2-4 & 7-9 pm. The Funeral Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Church in Port Lambton on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at 11 AM. Interment to follow at St. John’s Cemetery, Sombra. If desired, remembrances to the Alzheimers Society or the Marshall Gowland Manor Memorial Garden and may be left at the funeral home. 519.627.3231. Online tributes may be left at www.cavanaghfuneralhome.ca