Maureen Winnifred Rose Gijsberg Horst

Maureen Horst, passed peacefully in her sleep at her family home in Port Alberni, on Sunday July.3, 2016 at the age of 62 years.

Maureen was a loving, caring Wife to her husband of 42 years, David. Devoted Mother to her three children Ruth, Rachel (Mike), Renate (Nicholas), and treasured Grandma to 11 grandchildren (Paul, Josh, Matthew, Sarah,Hope, Hannah, Hilary, Kirsten, Ava, Alicia, Shelby). She also leaves behind her dear mother, Ann, and her sister Jane, as well as many long standing friends and neighbors, Maureen was a friend to all.

Maureen was born and raised in the Alberni Valley. In her youth, Maureen, was a talented synchronized swimmer, she graduated at Alberni District Secondary School .She was a passionate woman who lived life to the fullest. In her adult years she enjoyed the outdoors, in particular camping with family and friends, gardening, canning, growing Dahlia's, homesteading, homemaking and looking after her family. Right up until her last day she was busy canning over 30 jars of jam for family and charity. A wonderful cook, Maureen was a giving, caring person who showed her generous nature through her love of cooking for others. Homemade soups, coconut cream pies, fried chicken and her signature potato salad were just a few of her ways of caring and nurturing those she held near and dear. Maureen's positive outlook on life inspired those around her, even throughout her toughest times she was active in the Community through her volunteering at the Beaver Creek Community Hall, a leader for Girl Guides and her involvement with the Beaver Creek School PAC.

More recently, Maureen was passionate about spreading the word on Kidney Disease Awareness, she wanted to encourage, people to not be defined by their disease, to reach out to those close to them, and cherish each and every day. Like Maureen would say “The only way to keep going is stay positive"!

A celebration of Maureen's life will be held at 11:00 am on July 14th, 2016, at the Beaver Creek Community Hall, 8505 Beaver Creek Road, Port Alberni. Stories and condolences may be offered to the family at www.chapelofmemories.ca

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Maureen may be made to the Mid Island Kidney Association, c/o 8932 Faber Road, Port Alberni, BC., V9Y 9B9 or the Beaver Creek Community Hall Association, 8505 Beaver Creek Road, Port Alberni, BC., V9Y 8N6

It is with loving energy that we invite you to celebrate Maureen's beautiful life.