Obituary of Julie Marie Demeulemeester

A Eulogy for Julie Demeulemeester by Fabian Demeulemeester Julie was born on May 4, 1939, Juliana Marie Hallaert to Adolph Remi Hallaert and Marie Antoinette Delefortrie. She was born in a small village in France called Andevanne. She was born at home on the farm where she joined 4 siblings. Within months after her birth in 1939 and because of the war, Julie was sent by her family to live in Belgium to be cared for by a nanny and then an aunt. She stayed with this aunt for almost one year until the time she was able to walk. She then returned to France to live with her own family. She attended to a small town school in Carnoy, France until the family moved to Canada in 1950 when she was 11 years old. The family of now 6 siblings (with 1 sister remaining in France) made several moves within Canada from Ontario to BC. In 1955 the family lost many of their possessions as a result of a house fire in Mission BC. Julie spent her grade 11 year in a Catholic boarding school in New Westminster and later graduated from Mission High school in 1956. The school year book wrote, "Juliana was grade twelve's tiny French gal who came to Canada just a few years ago. Her pet peeves are being asked about her cat "Neuter" and walking in the rain with holes in her shoes. In the future she will either nurse or teach and definitely see the world." She then set off to teacher training school at UBC from September, 1956 to January, 1957. In May, 1957, Julie and Peter Demeulemeester were married at Moberly Lake church by Father Youngblood. They went on their honeymoon to France where they purchased a motorbike to tour the country side. Their family grew with two children, Ann and Fabian. Julie became a log scaler for Pete and Paul's sawmill. She was a very hard worker, she would be scaling lumber and at lunch time run to the lunch hall to help make lunch for all the guys. She also sold lumber at Dave Armstrong's planer mill. Julie said "The lumber was being sold primarily to the US as it was much more rewarding than Ontario at the time." In 1960, she became a Canadian citizen. She later became the book keeper for Pete and Paul. She was good with numbers and loved her job. She then moved on to work at CFI, better known as West Fraser. She wanted to gain more knowledge in accounting. Julie decided it was time for her branch off on her own and became the book keeper for various firms including Chetwynd Development and Jim Van East. Julie gradually separated herself from the work force to dedicate her time to family. Julie and Pete went on their second honeymoon by horse and wagon to Boucher Lake; this was to everyone's amazement. They did a lot of adventuring together and hosting family from overseas. These were good times had by all. One of the good times that we were able to recall was when we had company from France. It was the day of the drag car races and they had attended these races. Coming home and coming to the crest at the Jackfish Lake turnoff Julie blew a tire off her brown Datsun car, she had been driving like she saw in the races, too fast. Peter had to tow her car home with the tractor. Peter died in January, 2002. Julie would have to live without Peter, the love of her life. Julie kept herself busy with her grandchildren, CWL, and as she always has, she included some travelling with family and friends. Julie never complained, she was compassionate, giving, always cracking jokes, kind, strong, fun to be with, adventurous and always smiling. Julie loved and did everything for her grandchildren touching each and every one of them in her own way. Until her last days she was still asking everyone who entered her room how their day was and wanting to be sure everyone else was comfortable. I'm sure that most people here today have a warm story or two to tell about Julie that brings a smile to their face. My only wish is that you would cherish these memories as we say our good-byes. She will be missed by many. On behalf of the family, I would like to extend a big thank you to everyone for gathering here today as a final tribute to a wonderful lady... Julie. Julie passed away on February 20, 2015 in Chetwynd, British Columbia. She is survived by her son Fabian Demeulemeester (Patty); daughter Ann Beattie; grandsons Kris (Rowena) Beattie, Alan Beattie, Scott Hingston (Bev), and Troy Hingston; great grandsons Mathew Kriwtschenko, James Beattie, Allan Hingston, Victoria Hingston, and Matthew Hingston. Julie was predeceased by her husband Peter Demeulemeester and grandson Craig Beattie. Service 2:00 pm Wednesday, February 25, 2015 Our Lady of Peace Parish 43300-51A Street CHETWYND, British Columbia, Canada Interment Tuscoola Mountain Cemetery Hwy 97 CHETWYND, British Columbia, Canada V0C 1J0