Obituary of Madeleine Colbow

COLBOW - Madeleine (July 26, 1950 - July 31, 2012) After a four year valiant battle with ALS, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Madeleine Marie Anne Colbow on July 31, 2012 at the Yorkton Union Hospital with her loving husband at her side. Left to cherish her memory are her husband Gary, daughter Jill (Mike Hill), Regina, son Brent, Saskatoon and her charming new little grandsons Emmett and Declan, her mother Mabel Bru, North Battleford, brothers and sisters Clem (Jerry McGrath), Bernie (Elvin Nelson), Claude (Jackie), Bernard (Diane), twin sister Louise (Roger deMontarnal), Jackie (Gord Hagen), Gisele (Bernard Blais), Henri (Linda), and Irene (Doug Osborn); mother-in-law Annie Colbow, brothers-in-law and sister-in-law Doris (Bruce Clements), Wayne (Carol), Dale, Brian (Sherry), Bill (Zella), Raymond (Deanna), Greg Jans, numerous nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. She was predeceased by her father Joseph Bru, father-in-law Louis Colbow, sister-in-law Julienne Colbow, nephew Randy McQuiston, and niece Lisa McDonald. Madeleine grew up on the family farm in the Jackfish Lake area with nine other siblings. Coming from a family of ten, outings were rare, therefore the Bru clan had to create their own entertainment - playing ball, hide and seek, tin can, picking Saskatoon berries, many different card games but most of all family picnics at Aquadeo Beach which lead to a life-long love of the lake. She attended Jackfish elementary school from Grade 1 to 9, then attended Vawn high school where she graduated in 1968. After graduation Madeleine and her twin sister moved to the big city of Saskatoon to further their education. Madeleine attended Teacher's College where she obtained her teacher's certificate. Her first teaching position was in North Battleford where she taught for two years. As teaching wasn't her passion she moved on to working with the Saskatchewan Government for the Department of Social Services. While working in North Battleford she met Gary Colbow. After a few diners here and a few movies there she realized that he might be the one for her. Gary must have been thinking the same thing and in December of 1974 he popped the big question and she happily said yes. They were married on May 10, 1975. They moved to Yorkton where they settled. They enjoyed numerous ski and camping trips with family and friends. Although this was fun for a while, seeing numerous nieces and nephews being born led Madeleine and Gary wishing to start a family of their own. Jill was born on September 29, 1979 soon followed by the birth of their son Brent on March 18, 1982. Many happy years were spent watching the kids play ball, soccer and going to many hockey tournaments in small town rinks (no matter how cold they were)! She was always cheering loud and was so proud when they were victorious but would offer a shoulder to lean on when winning wasn't to be. Madeleine was an avid golfer and passed her love of golf to her kids. Family trips usually included one or two stops at golf courses along the way. Along with raising her family, Madeleine worked full time for the Department of Justice as a judicial officer until her retirement in August of 2007. Her time with the provincial court allowed her to form many lasting friendships with her colleagues. Her work ethics were highly regarded by the Judges she travelled with over the years. Madeleine's many interests included curling and golfing which were always more fun when she could enjoy them with Gary (especially when her golf score was a bit lower than his!!). She also enjoyed doing crafts, gardening, and reading. Madeleine and Gary enjoyed travelling. After the kids left home they were able to take several trips -one to Mexico and one where she finally fulfilled her life-long dream of going to Hawaii. Her favorite trips were still the five hour trips northwest which brought her back to Jackfish Lake to spend many great times with family and friends. Although the last few years of her life were spent at home dealing with ALS, she rarely complained and always looked forward to visits from her many friends and family members. The highlight of all these visits was in May when her two grandsons came to meet her for the first time. Madeleine had a grin from ear to ear that could not be erased. Declan and Emmett made the last few months a little bit brighter for her. The Prayer Vigil was held on Thursday, August 2, 2012 at St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church in Yorkton. The reading was given by Marcella Seveigny and the Prayers of the Faithful were led by Len Chicoine. The Funeral Mass was held on Friday, August 3, 2012 at St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Francis Hengen as the Celebrant. Pianist, Lorraine Lysak led St. Gerard's Choir in singing the hymns, "Here I Am Lord", "Psalm 23", "Something Which is Known", "On Eagle's Wings", "Song of The Angels", and "Though The Mountains May Fall". Serving as the cross bearer was Rob deMontarnal. The readings were given by Claude Bru and Jackie Hagen. Prayers of the Faithful were led by Adrienne Hagen Lyster. Deanna & Ray Colbow served as the Gift Bearers. All Those whose Life was Touched by Madeleine were considered honourary pallbearers. The interment took place in the Garden of Memories at Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Roger & Louise deMontarnal serving as the urn bearers. Memorials in memory of Madeleine may be made to the ALS Society or the Yorkton Regional Palliative Care Centre. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.baileysfuneralhome.com Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Friday, August 3rd, 2012 2:00pm, St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens