It is with great sadness that we announce the passing, on June 19, 2021, of our wife, mother, grandmother, big sister, aunt, sister-in-law, friend and cherished work colleague, Maureen. She was surrounded by her family.
“Onnie” was the first-born child of the late François Deraiche and the late Judith O’Halloran. She is also predeceased by her late father-in-law, David Kaake Sr. We take solace in knowing they are all reunited.
“Mo” is survived by her soul mate and husband of 25 years, David Kaake, with whom she shared a 28-year love affair. Theirs was an extraordinary love that began on the heels of Mo’s first cancer diagnosis. Together they successfully navigated that initial fight, went on to marry and raise a blended family of five. By her side constantly and until the end, Dave held his wife in his arms until her last heart beat and breath. Her last words to him earlier that day were “I love you.”
She was a devoted and loving mother to Jennifer, Shannon (Brian Potter), and Dylan. Her children always came first and it was natural for her to make every sacrifice for them. She had a knack for making their birthdays and important occasions extra special, complete with handmade cards, decorations and cakes. Each child still got a special care package at Christmas complete with Christmas morning Pjs. Last Christmas was no exception, despite her condition.
As a doting and cherished Nanny to her grandsons, Declan and Dylan, there were no games or shenanigans too crazy, like taking a whipped cream pie in the face, among other pranks. Even as her mobility grew strained, she would push past her limitations to fulfill the promise of a day at the amusement park.
“Maur” was big sister to Alan (Heidi Batson), and Stephanie (Jeff Grossberg) for whom she always had an ear. She maintained her “big sis” energy until her last day, trying, as always, to shield her siblings from what was to come.
Also left to mourn are aunts and uncles, numerous nieces and nephews, sisters and brothers in law, and many friends.
In 2014, some 20 years after her first diagnosis, Mo was diagnosed with cancer yet again. Never one to back down from anything, she set about the business of beating cancer for a second time and subsequently participated in her first “Ride to Conquer Cancer” in British Columbia, as a member of “Riders for Ryder.” In 2017, the cancer would reemerge, and again Mo faced it down with fierce determination, the way she did every other challenge in her life. Countless procedures, treatments and hospital stays would follow, and Mo would beat the odds and turn medical logic on its head.
This, of course, was just a testament to her strength, stubbornness and resolve. It was also another example of how she always put her loved ones first by refusing to let go and leave them.
The family would like to thank the entire oncology and palliative care staff at Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre, in particular, Dr. Jennie Ko, Dr. Renske Van Rooyen, the team from Cheam 2 & 3 and Nurse Carol from the chemotherapy treatment unit.
There will be a garden party in celebration of Mo’s life on June 26, 2021, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 7940 Osprey St., Mission, BC V2V 4P7.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks to honor Mo by supporting her “Tour de Cure” fundraising efforts at: https://tourdecure.ca/participant/2793684/3864?fbclid=IwAR1GnmQMAreVMiKH5-qeiSXZpLF9Uj-afm9PEm4WFf46wDfwqx_cr_Wbqig
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