Obituary of JACQUELINE BAETSEN

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Catherine Jacqueline Baetsen (née Mondor), after being diagnosed with cancer only months earlier. Jacqueline knew her prognosis, yet this did not deter her from living life and giving love till the end.

She is survived by her husband Joseph, her children, and grand children: Claudine, Johann Joël (Kristin Mozel) (Raina & Vaughn) and Elise (Sean Humphries) (Eamonn, Maeve and Hugh) and her only sister Claudette (Derek Anderson). 

Jacqueline grew up in the heart of St Boniface, the daughter of Emile and Yvonne Mondor. She married Joseph Baetsen in 1972 and began working for a local law firm. 

In the mid-eighties she began her career with Air Canada, proudly wearing the uniform first as a passenger agent, then as a flight attendant (her dream job) and eventually finishing her 25-year career as a service director, working international flights where her love for people and shopping were fulfilled. She was a generous, giving person, always looking to find great gifts for those she loved. 

She loved spending time at the lake; on the pontoon for afternoon “tootles” on the water, zipping around on the golf cart, tending to her flowers often raking past dark with a headlamp to guide her way. The cabin was her escape, her sanctuary, and she was the most gracious of hosts, welcoming, and catering to all her guests. She proudly raised the Metis flag at the lake in honour of her mother’s heritage. 

The last 10 years have been filled with joy as she watched her grandchildren grow. She had a real soft spot when it came to them. She loved reading; first to them, then with them, and she loved having them over for sleepovers.  Baking for the kids and others became a passion, making her famous monster cookies, butter tarts and many other desserts. 

Jacqueline and Joe took many wonderful trips with their children over the years including hot weather destination vacations, cruising the seas, 
or travelling to other continents such as Europe and South America. She loved travelling with the “Baetsen Clan” which 
was her extended family who welcomed her and loved her as a sister. They also took numerous trips out east to Nova Scotia to visit Claudette and Derek and to spend quality time catching up with her family, taking little day trips to go clam digging or to find the hidden gem
 fish-n-chip shops along the way. Those were such special memories. 

She was predeceased by her loving parents Emile and Yvonne Mondor, her baby brother Luc. She has been reunited with her sister-in-law Mary who is, no doubt, showing her the ropes and is very happy to see her. 

Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate her life is to be held at St Timothy’s Roman Catholic Parish @ 11:00 a.m. on Friday July 15th, 2022.

We encourage all attending to wear their summer whites and brights! Jacqueline would want us to celebrate the life that she lived wearing the colours she loved.  

On the 2nd of June 2022, exactly nine years after her mother’s death, Jacqueline Baetsen’s spirit left her earthbound body. She was surrounded by her loving husband Joe and her three children Claudine, Joël & Elise as she took her last breath.  

If family and friends so desire, please donate to CancerCare Manitoba.  Thank you.