STURK (d'Entremont), Claudette Anne

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our dear mother, grand-mère and wife. She passed away peacefully at home in the early hours of Sunday, March 17, 2024, after living with ALS for four years. Her determination in the face of adversity was an inspiration to everyone who knew her.

Claudette was born in Yarmouth, N.S., to the late Richard "Chaff" d'Entremont and Josephine d'Entremont.

She grew up in Lower West Pubnico and was the youngest child of a large Catholic Acadian family. As a young adult, she attended Dalhousie University and earned Bachelors of Science and Education.

After getting married, she moved to the Annapolis Valley where she lived with her husband, Eric, and where they raised their three children. She remained proud of her Acadian heritage throughout her life and shared her Acadian culture and love of French with her family and community. She taught French in both Berwick Elementary School and Pine Ridge Middle School for many years.

Claudette loved being involved in her community, and throughout the years volunteered with many groups and organizations, including her church community of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Parish, Campaign for Kids and the ALS Society of N.B. & N.S. She had a lot of energy and drive, and she loved to organize. You could always count on her dedication to get things done. After her diagnosis with ALS, she became involved in raising awareness and advocating for those living with the disease. For three years, with the help of her friends and family, she organized an ALS walk and headed up her team "Sturk Trek."

« Mame » or « Grand-mère » was deeply cherished by her children, their spouses and her grandchildren. Everyone always wanted a visit from Grand-mère where she would spend hours cooking, baking, playing games, doing homework or crafts, and organizing cupboards and drawers. Claudette and Eric celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 5, 2023. They loved to spend time outdoors walking or cross-country skiing, swimming, traveling, and hosting family and friends. Eric was her best friend, and he cared for her until the very end.

Claudette is survived by her husband, Eric; three children and their spouses, Richard (Tina), Monique (Steve) and Michelle (Andrew); and 11 grandchildren, Nolan, Astrid, Odessa, Léa, Olivier, Samuel, Hélène, Caden, Megan, Thomas and Peter. She also left behind her brothers, Adelard (Arlene), Pius (Raye), Basile (Jeanelle) and Emile (Marlene); and her sister, Roseline; sister-in-law, Roberte; and many brothers and sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; a stillborn brother and her brother, Lionel.

Her family would like to thank the countless family, friends and community members who supported them throughout her long struggle with ALS. The kindness and generosity of so many people helped them get through this difficult period.

The funeral mass will take place at 2:00 pm, on Tuesday, March 26, in St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 120 Mill St., Berwick, N.S. Rev. Fr. Michael Walsh officiating, with a reception to follow in the Parish Centre. The mass will be livestreamed and available to watch beginning at 1:55 p.m. by going to the funeral home's website and selecting the "live stream" option on the home page. Interment will take place in Morristown Cemetery, at a later date.

Donations in memory of Claudette can be made to the ALS Society of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements have been entrusted to Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St., toll free 1-855-825-3448. On-line guest book may be signed by visiting: www.middletonfuneralhome.com