Farewell to Marie Paule

Marie-Paule was a wonderful friend to all of us in WIC, especially the walkers. Marie-Paule was a warm, caring person and loved to join us when she could for the WIC walks especially those in the forest. She always had a smile, no matter the weather and the difficult circumstances of her last months of illness. She knew how to really share her country, her love of French literature and language, and her concern for those around her. She was patient and supportive, taking time to really listen to those around her and to respond with love and new thoughts that led to deeper awareness.

She loved the outdoors, especially the Woluwe Park and the Belgian Ardennes. Even when illness made it difficult, she insisted on walking and being as independent as she possibly could.

She was generous also with her hospitality. One cold spring day in late June when our annual walk and “spring” picnic were about to be rained out due to unseasonably cold weather Marie-Paule got on her mobile during the walk and called Paul to see if she could invite 15 WIC walkers over for a spur of the moment picnic on their sun porch … He said … “Sure”, and by the time we arrived he had the tables set with table cloths and then he joined us for the picnic! It was one of our many grand occasions and an example of their generosity and hospitality! On another occasion in April one year which just happened to be her Birthday the walkers were having a “crepe event” after a walk at the Mercator restaurant in Jezus-Eik when Marie-Paule arrived and surprised us all by supplying “Bubbly” to enhance the experience. It was a great Birthday experience for all of us!!!

We remember her gentle way, her true friendship and sharing, and the paths we walked together. We remember her courage and strength. The good times we shared with Marie-Paule are not past, but with us every day.

We send our deepest condolences to Paul and the rest of the family.

Article contributed by Sandy, Martha and Paulette

Marie-Paule

Very sad news. Marie-Paule, whom many of us have known over the years as a regular walker and friend, passed away yesterday. The funeral service will take place at the Eglise Saint Lambert, Place du Sacre-Coeur, 1200 Brussels (Woluwe Saint Lambert) on Saturday 20th February at 10:30.
The funeral was well attended by WIC members and walkers. WIC sent a lovely flower arrangement that was displayed prominently at the entrance to the church and then was taken to the altar with the others. Our many thanks to all of you who showed so much support!!! Marie-Paule is missed by many friends.

Fri., Feb. 26th Yuko's Rouge Cloitre Walk

Yuko checked us in as we gathered in her court yard before we took off for a walk around the Rouge Cloitre in Auderghem. It was a changing weather day with some cloudy skies mixed with wind and rain at times. By the conclusion of the walk the sun was out, too! C'est la Belgique!!! Even in the end of winter as we wait for the first signs of spring it was a lovely walk. We all ended our outing at Yuko's town house at about 2:30pm and were met there by Sheila and the Easy Walks group. Moira was also able to meet up with us for refreshments.

Fri., Feb. 26th Yuko's Rouge Cloitre Walk

"Many Thanks" to Yuko who not only led the walk this afternoon but then graciously hosted the ladies ... all 15 of us in her town home afterwards!!! The delicious cakes and mini mince meat pies were provided to us by another walker, Cynthia, who unfortunately could not be with us today but was very kind to give Yuko the desserts for us to enjoy. We send her our "many thanks", also. Yuko also supplied hot coffee and tea to accompany the sweets. The WIC walkers always appreciate such wonderful hospitality in the homes of our members and alway seem to do justice to the food provided!!!

Fri., Feb. 26th Yuko's Rouge Cloitre Walk

Judith (light blue top) presented Sandy with a Farewell Card, an originally designed one she had prepared herself and had signed by all of the walkers!!! What a lovely gift ... and, there was STILL time to sign it today ... so, some of us did just that ... Sandy is savoring all of these last walks and events ...

Thanks for the Chalet Robinson Experience from Sandy & Bruce

Dear Walkers,
Again, many thanks for the lovely lunch at the Chalet Robinson on the island in the Bois de la Cambre courtesy of your generous Gift Certificate presented at the WIC Walkers' Christmas lunch on Fri., Dec. 4th! Due to the many snowfalls of the past several months we were delayed in our attempts to experience this delightful meal in such a special setting. Bisous, Sandy & Bruce

Mon., Feb. 22nd Sandy's Overijse Walk and Paulette's Party

Our "thanks" to Janet for this group photo of those of us who participated in the walk on Monday. This is also found in the group of photos she provided us which you can access below in the link. After the walk we went to Paulette's house where we met up with the others including Sheila and the Easy Walks group.

Mon., Feb. 22nd Sandy's Oveijse Walk and Paulette's Party

Today was a farewell event for Sandy! We started with an hour and a half walk from the parking lot on Welriekende dreef in Overijse led by Sandy and ended with a lively gathering at the lovely home of Paulette nearby. Our "many thanks" to our hostess, Paulette, and all the ladies who put in the extra efforts to make the afternoon such a special occasion for Sandy and such a success. With over 40 ladies in attendance it was probably the biggest gathering the walking group has hostessed to date. Whew ... it was amazing! We began with a group photo in the parking lot showing the 31 who gathered for the walk. We had some drizzle and a bit of wind during the walk but with a temperature of 11C it was certainly better weather conditions than some others earlier this year. Janet was our official photographer today and we include a link to the record of our adventures with "many thanks" indeed!!! http://picasaweb.google.com/janet.in.brussels/SandySFarewell#

Mon., Feb. 22nd Sandy's Overijse Walk and Paulette's Party

Although Janet's and Jacqueline's photos tell the real story of today's events we have a few "extras" ... to fill in with. I don't think we have any photos that can do justice to the array of the many home made delicious pies, cakes and other delicacies that appeared including several Pavlovas as well as variety of cheeses and crackers that the ladies brought forth on Monday. There were so many items to choose from and Sandy made a point of trying them all ... hence there was little room for dinner that evening! In addition, the Bubbly flowed and there were plenty of other warm beverages to select from later to suit any taste. In due time Paulette made a speech and paid tribute to Sandy as she later also presented a lovely hand made tray of the Brussels Grand Place for her to take back with her on her move next month. It was a lovely gift and will bring back very special memories of her time here. In addition, she received a huge farewell card signed by all of the ladies! It was all very overwhelming ...

Mon., Feb. 22nd Sandy's Overijse Walk and Paulette's Party

We were all delighted to gather around to listen to Paulette's presentation and following that ... I'm sure that we have started a new trend with so many exciting socks exhibited as we shed our dirty boots to save our hostess's lovely floors. Please tell Martin though that the WIC walkers only wear CLEAN socks ... not dirty socks!!! We will be looking for more of these in the coming months!!!

Mon., Feb. 22nd Sandy's Overijse Walk and Paulette's Party

All too soon, it seemed, it was time to clear away the party debris, sort through the flat ware and wash the dishes. We had a wonderful team of ladies who helped out for the afternoon. "Many thanks" to you all.

Fri., Feb. 19th Sandy's Auderghem Walk

It was not a particularly lovely day outside for our outing this afternoon but grey skies were preferable to the rain and wind they had predicted. We were not complaining! It will make us appreciate what is to come soon with the advent of spring in Brussels. Right now that seema a long way off but who knows ... we just might get lucky. It was a bit muddy too but we expected that ... It was just nice to get a good walk in for an hour and a half.

Fri., Feb. 19th Sandy's Auderghem Walk

We were all happy to drive the short distance to the restaurant/cafe - Au Diable Vauvert in Auderghem for our refreshment break having felt we earned it this afternoon! We met up with Sheila and the Easy Walkers there as well as Paulette who came to join us. Of course, we were delighted to get there in time for the daily window washing ... always a treat! Today they had 2 men washing at the same time so we had to decide which one to photograph as they are definitely too fast to get both.

Monday 15th February:Paulette's walk in Jesus Eik

It takes more than a little snow and sub-zero temperatures to stop the Wicwalkers! We even ganged together to move Yuko's stranded car. But what a magical walk! We had all the forest to ourselves and walked on fresh snow. We even tried an "hors piste", without any breadcrumbs to find the way back.

Click on this link to Janet's artistic photographs:

http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/janet.in.brussels/2010FebruaryJesusEikWalk#