Madeline Van De Spiegle

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Madeline Van De Spiegle (nee De Backer) of Holland, MB, who courageously fought cancer with grace and strength. Surrounded by her loving family, Madeline passed peacefully on Sunday October 26, 2025 at the Tiger Hills Health Centre at the age of 82.

Madeline was born on September 22, 1943 in St. Alphonse, Manitoba, the oldest of six children to Fred and Gertie De Backer. She grew up on the family farm, where she learned the value of hard work, perseverance and responsibility at a young age. Those early years taught her the practical skills she carried throughout life – from tending a garden to caring for others – and helped shape the strong, capable and compassionate woman she became.

On June 13, 1964, Madeline married Raymond Van De Spiegle, the love of her life and her steadfast partner for 61 years. Together, they built a home filled with love, laughter and unwavering loyalty. Their marriage was a true partnership – built on respect, friendship and faith in one another. They supported each other through every joy and challenge, creating a life rich with family, memories and shared adventures.

Madeline was the proud mother of four children Leonard (Rachel), Laurie (Lynne), Marianne (Gilles) and Ken (Christine); grandmother to Julie (Jeremy), Richard (Alison), Thomas (Andrea), Nicole, Leanne, Jenna, Stephanie (Aaron), Ashley (Ryan), Chelsea (Robert), Luc (Kendra), Brittany (Alex), Shane, Megan (Michael); and great grandmother to Ben, Ava, Nate, Zack, Chase, Faith, Carter, Jayden, Jack, Charlie, Leo, Kate, Ethan, Sophia, Georgia, Rosco, Kaycee, Josie, Renley, Rhett, Emersyn and Isla. Her family was her greatest source of pride and joy, and she cherished every gathering, celebration and moment spent together.

Madeline lived a life full of purpose and passion. She was known for her delicious homemade bread and her beautiful garden – a reflection of the care and dedication she poured into everything she did. She loved canning and baking and took great pride in her yard, winning the Horticultural Society Home Grounds award several times. Those who knew her will remember her honesty, sincerity and strength of character – qualities that guided her every day and touched everyone she met.

Faith was an important part of Madeline’s life. She served as a catechism teacher for nine years, sharing her faith and kindness with children from the community. She was also a devoted member of the church choir, where her love of singing was apparent.

Madeline’s love of travel was something she and Raymond shared throughout their life together. They explored far and wide – from the scenic beauty of Yellowstone, to the beaches of the Caribbean and Mexico, the islands of Hawaii, road trips to both Alaska and Las Vegas along with destinations across Canada. Also cherished was a trip to Europe where they travelled to Belgium, England and France.

As a spirited competitor, Madeline was an avid Belgian bowler and proudly won the Women’s World Championship in Marshall, Minnesota. She was a competitive curler, Bien and Marbles player, playing countless games with family and friends over the years. Many good laughs were shared while playing Marbles and her competitive spirit never faded – even her great grandchildren quickly learned that Grandma played to win!  

Madeline also had a special kind of luck – the kind that showed up whenever she played bingo or visited the casino. Whether it was a small win or a lucky streak, she enjoyed the thrill of the game and the laughter that came with it. Her good fortune became a running joke among family, who loved to tease her about her winning touch.

Madeline especially loved singing with her family and friends, often gathering around a campfire. Her voice filled those evenings with warmth and joy, creating memories that will be cherished for generations.

Madeline’s love continues to surround her family and friends, woven into every memory and tradition she helped create. Though she will be dearly missed, the kindness, laughter and warmth she shared will live on in all who knew her.

Prayers will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 7:00 pm at St. John Berchmans Catholic Church, Holland, MB.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 11:00 am at St. John Berchmans Catholic Church with Father Joseph Tran as Celebrant.  Family interment will take place in the St. John Berchmans Parish Cemetery.  Following the service, a reception will be held in the Bruxelles Community Hall.  Everyone is welcome to attend.

Memorial donations can be made to Cancer Care Manitoba, 675 McDermot Ave. #1160, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0V9.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Madeline Van De Spiegle, please visit our floral store.