She was born Deanna Caruk in Wells, B.C, on December 2, 1943 to Harry and Mary Caruk. Growing up she spent time in Salmo with her parents, brother Richard and sister Teresa before they settled in Merritt in 1959.
Prior to starting her own family, Deanna moved for a short time to Grand Forks to be a telephone operator. She returned to Merritt to marry the love of her life, Bernard Mathieu, on May 29th, 1965. Shortly after they started their own family, raising their five children and for periods of time opening their home to their grandchildren.
It was the simple things in life that Deanna never took for granted. Above all, she was absolutely devoted to her family. Deanna was a caring, supportive and loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, and aunt. She always put the needs of others before her own. She made everyone feel welcome and opened their home to many over the years. There was always coffee on, homemade bread, soup or baking, or fresh vegetables available from the garden. Gardening was one of her favourite passtimes.
Deanna was well known and respected in the Merritt community. She was also part of her church community for 61 years and belonged to and held positions in the Catholic Women’s League. She was a woman of strong faith, believing in the power and strength of God. Towards the end, she knew the beauty and peace that would await her.
Deanna was preceded in death by her mother, Mary, her father, Harry, her brother, Richard and grandson, Luke. She is survived by her husband of 54 years Bernard Mathieu; children Kathleen (husband Mike), Shelley (husband Brian), Darrin, Carmella, and Chelsea; grandchildren Clinton, Keyton, Dylan, Jordan, Danny, Sabre, Torin and great grandson, Ryder; sister Teresa (husband Clay) and several nephews, nieces.
Prayer service will be held at the Sacred Heart Church on Friday, Oct. 25th at 7 p.m., followed by a funeral service on Saturday, Oct. 26th at 10:30 a.m. Mass will be followed by a luncheon and gathering in the hall at the church.
Mom believed in giving to several organizations. The family is asking in lieu of flowers please donate to a charity of your choice.
“You've chosen an angel, there's no finer than,
For God in your wisdom, you've chosen our Mom.”
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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