Denise D'Haeseleer Van der Waerden

Denise D'Haeseleer Van der Waerden, age 70, passed away while surrounded by her family on October 7, 2005 at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, Michigan, two weeks after unexpectedly suffering a brain hemorrhage. Denise was born in the medieval city of Aalst, Belgium on March 5, 1935. She is the youngest of six daughters of the late Cyriel D'Haeseleer and the late Maria-Florina Van der Haegen. Until her country's liberation in 1945, Denise grew up under the occupation and chaotic events of World War II. Denise attended the girls school of the 14th century St. Bavo Cathedral of Ghent, which houses works of art by Van Eyck and Rubens, inspiring her life-long love of great art and music. In addition to her native Flemish language, Denise's classical education included the study of Latin, Greek, French, German, and English, and she enjoyed practicing her natural talent for languages throughout her life. Following her desire to help others in need, Denise went on to university to pursue a degree in social work. During a fateful study-abroad internship at Bon Secours Hospital in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, Denise met and fell in love with her future husband, Gustaaf August Van der Waerden. In 1955, she crossed the Atlantic on board the famous ocean liner, The R.M.S. Queen Mary, to the United States of America to marry and build a new life. Denise and Gustaaf built their home in one of the first residential developments in the City of Warren, where they raised six children and have remained for the last 43 years. In addition, for over 20 years Denise's growing family of children and grandchildren has gathered together each summer at their cherished home in Arcadia on the shore of Lake Michigan. Denise had her first child at age 22 and her last at age 39, and was an extraordinary caregiver. Whether as a mother, wife, sister, or friend, she unfailingly sacrificed her own needs for those of others. All the lives she touched will never forget her warm kindness, unassuming manner, and graciousness. Everyone who knew Denise also knows of her special love for animals-most recently for her adored greyhound, Maya. While performing the phenomenal task of raising six children, she still found time to volunteer to transcribe books into Braille for the blind. In 1985, eager to vote and participate in the political process of her adopted home, Denise became an American citizen. Denise never failed to exercise her right to vote in any subsequent election. Denise remained young at heart in both body and spirit--extraordinarily fit and youthful for her 70 years, she enjoyed a spotless history of health before her sudden death. Without her unique, beautiful voice and great, contagious laugh, her family home now seems empty. Above all, her heart-broken family will always remember her as an exceptionally loving mother, and an amazingly selfless individual. Denise is survived by her devoted husband, Gustaaf, with whom she was to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on November 12, 2005. She is the dear mother of six adoring and grateful children: Anne-Mieken (Joseph Marutiak), Margaret (Lee Falco), Theresa (Peter Kitto), Karl (Yenny Angel), John, and Christopher; and the darling grandmother of Michael James, Andrew John, Kristian Wilde, Valentina, and Morgan. She is the beloved sister of Estelle, Alice, Rachel, Godelieve, and the late Marie-Louise. She is also survived by 13 nieces and nephews. Visitation will take place at the funeral home on Friday, October 14, 2005 from 2:00pm-4:00pm and 5:00pm-9:00pm, with a 7:00pm Rosary. Lying in state will take place on Saturday, October 15, 2005 at 9:00am at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, followed by a Mass in celebration of her life at 9:30am. A funeral Mass for family and friends in Belgium will be performed simultaneously at the family church in Huissegem, Belgium at 3:30 pm local time. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial donations directed to the Michigan Humane Society or the Capuchin Soup Kitchen.