Marguerite Klein

Marguerite (VanDenBroecke) Klein, 94, Lenexa, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, December 30, 2008, in the presence of her loving family.

Marguerite was born May 10, 1914 in Shawnee, Kansas. She married her husband Clarence on October 19, 1933. They made their home in Lenexa, and were life-long member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Her husband, Clarence and a granddaughter, Karen Marie, preceded her in death. She is survived by one sister, Rachael Hugunin of Overland Park, Kansas; four sons, Jerry (& Jean) of Holland, Ohio, Dick (& Ginny) of Overland Park, Kansas, Gene of Kansas City, Kansas, and Bill (& Cindy) of Lenexa, Kansas; four grandchildren, Denise, Mike, Matt and Suzanne; seven great grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren.

Marguerite was a devoted wife and mother, and a supportive grandmother. She had a strong faith in God and believed in the power of prayer. The focus of her life was her family for which she was a nurturing influence and the focal point of family activities. Her great passions included cooking, gardening and playing cards with the family. From 1952 to 1962, Marguerite along with her partner Sylvia (Hofer) Enright operated Smitty's Grill in Lenexa where the sizzling steaks, hot beef sandwiches, and home made pies and bread were legendary. In 1962, Marguerite joined the staff at Holy Trinity Catholic School where she was manager of the school cafeteria until she retired in 1987. The school kids flourished from good home cooked meals. Marguerite's parents were Belgium truck gardeners and she grew up with a love of gardening and the knowledge of how to make vegetables grow. She raised extraordinary vegetables in her garden every year until she moved to Delmar Gardens of Lenexa Nursing Home in 2007.

After a painful struggle to hold on to life, God gently called Mom home with her family and the Hospice Chaplin present. The family wishes to express sincere thanks to all Mom's neighbors and friends that sustained her over the years, and to the caring and loving staff at Delmar Gardens and Catholic Community Hospice.

Mom was the foundation of our family, and our guiding light and inspiration. We will miss her greatly. We know that she is at peace at the side of Jesus, and that she and Dad will save a place for each member of their family. Mom, we love you.

Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Lenexa, Kansas.

Visitation and Funeral Service

Visitation will be Friday, January 2, 2008 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Amos Family Chapel of Shawnee where the Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Saturday, January 3, 2009 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Lenexa, Kansas at 10:00 a.m. Internment is at St. John Cemetery, 88th & Pflumm Road, Lenexa.