Esther Bruinooge

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Esther Veda Bruinooge, after a long courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday, September 4, 2019.

She is predeceased by her parents Elvira and Osley Baptiste, along with her brother Ezekiel Baptiste of Trinidad. Left to mourn her passing is her husband and best friend Willem Bruinooge and his daughter Aleesha of Portage la Prairie, along with their god daughter Natasha Hoodspith of Parksville, Vancouver Island. Her sisters Anna and Roseanna of St. Vincent, and sister-in-law Diane Baptiste of Curepe, Trinidad. In addition to numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as many friends.

On September 2, 1950 Veda was born in Trinidad where she lived for many years, including St. Vincent of the West Indies and different parts of Canada, until she ultimately made Portage La Prairie, MB her permanent home. Veda was a truly remarkable women, whose spirit for life and determination was the source of inspiration for many who encountered her. She highly valued family members and friends that were closest in her life and her sense of compassion, knowledge, and wisdom always provided a unique perspective to the world in which we live. Many thanks to her close friends, Myrna Nichol and Miep Verhoeven who supported her in the long-term care, Dr. Patric Rice and all of the medical staff at the Portage General Hospital.

A funeral service in memory of Veda will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 11:00 am., at McKenzie’s Portage Funeral Chapel, 56 Royal Rd. S, Portage La Prairie, with Rev. John Zondag officiating. Interment will follow in the family plot at Hillside Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family has designated the First Presbyterian Church Soup Kitchen (17 Royal Rd S, Portage La Prairie, MB, R1N 1T8) for memorial contributions.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021.