Gabrielle Maria Dymphna Corbey

Gabrielle passed away at Riverdale Health Centre on December 29, 2019 with family at her side at the age of 97.

Gabrielle was born on August 15, 1922 in Thorn, Limburg, The Netherlands to Matthieu and Cornelia Brouns. Gabrielle was the youngest of three - her brother Adolf and sister Rose. Gabrielle attended school until grade 6 and then had to help at home and at other relative’s homes, cleaning, cooking, looking after younger children and working in the fields. She had loving parents that made her growing up years happy even though they didn’t have a lot.  Gabrielle and Victor Corbey grew up in the same town. They started dating before the war, got engaged in 1942 and were married on November 26, 1946. Daughter Harriet was born on September 10, 1947, John was born on December 13, 1948 and Frank was born January 28, 1951.  Dad wanted to farm more land than they had in Holland, so the decision was made to immigrate to Canada. So along with Harriet, John & Frank, and dad’s brother Chris they left by boat from Rotterdam, Netherlands on August 3, 1953 and arrived at Halifax, Pier 21 on August 11, 1953. They then travelled by train to Winnipeg and then on to Rivers. They started out working at the Nobel Graham farm and then into Rivers where Victor worked for Taylor & Son. Gabrielle washed dishes at the Holland House Restaurant and took in sewing to assist with the family income. They then went to work for Stan Henry on the farm until they rented, then purchased the home farm (SE 29-13-21W) from Richard Short, near Oak River.  Mary-Anne was born on November 28, 1958 and Vicky on August 17, 1964. 

Gabrielle was always busy whether it was helping with the livestock, tending the huge garden, planting trees and flowers, knitting and sewing clothes or whatever demanded her attention. Some of the best times of Gabrielle’s life was surrounded by family and friends. She always had soup either cooking or just needing to be heated up and everyone was always welcome for a bowl or cup of coffee.  She loved when her grandkids and great grandkids came to visit and always made time to play dice or other games or teach them to knit or sew. Gabrielle’s favourite times were the summer holidays when the grandchildren all came to stay for a week or two together on the farm. Camp Corbey was the hottest ticket in town.  In August of 2018, mom returned to her hometown and celebrated her 96th birthday with her sister’s and brother’s families. Mom was so happy to see her hometown and the Kapel that she had cleaned weekly as a young girl. She was amazed that she was able to make that trip.

Gabrielle was predeceased by her loving husband Victor Corbey, daughter Harriet Lamb, son Frank Corbey, son-in-laws Dennis Lamb & Wayne Reynaud, brother Adolf Brouns, sister Rose Vorselen, brother-in-laws Chris Corbey and Tony Vorselen and nephew Addie Vorselen. Left to cherish Gabrielle’s memory, son John (Emily) Corbey, Daughter-in-law Eileen Corbey, daughter Mary-Anne Reynaud, daughter Vicky (Derrick) Schreiner, grandchildren Gerald (Bobbie) Mack, Michael (Laura) Lamb, Bob Lamb, Jeffrey (Madison) Lamb, Sharlynne (Roger) Koon, Clayton (Melanie) Corbey, Chris (Jodi) Waddell, Andrew (Donelda) Corbey, Christina Reynaud, Josie Reynaud, Justin Schreiner, Paige Schreiner and 14 great- grandchildren; god-daughter Monique Perey; and nieces, nephews and cousins from the Netherlands.

A funeral mass was held on January 3, 2020 at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church. Rae’s Funeral Service, Shoal Lake and Erickson took care of the arrangements. If friends so desire, donations may be made to Rivers Palliative Care, Box 428, Rivers, MB   R0K 1X0. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.raesfs.ca. The family extends its deepest appreciation to Dr. Dhaliwal, the nurses and staff at Riverdale Health Centre, and the Home Care workers that took such great care of mom.

Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, Oma – you taught us all how to love, laugh, work hard, do your best, keep your family close and to treat others how you would want to be treated. We will all do our best to follow in your footsteps. You will be missed, but always loved and remembered.