Alberta N. Devliegher

Alberta N. DeVliegher, 92, of Mishawaka, passed away Sunday evening, June 12, 2011 at her daughter’s home in Cortland, Illinois.

Alberta, affectionately known by her family as “Moeken”, was born September 12, 1918 in Belgium, a daughter of the late Alois and Adelaide (DePaepe) VanHoey. She grew up in Belgium where she was trained in tailoring.

Alberta married Maurice A. “Belgie” DeVliegher in Belgium on May 6, 1942. The couple moved to the United States in 1950, settling in Mishawaka.

For over forty years, Alberta was employed at Gerber Manufacturing Company in Mishawaka. She started as a tailor and worked up to supervisor. She was very proud of her work at Gerber’s. Not only was sewing part of her work it was also a hobby.

Since 1950, Alberta was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Mishawaka and belonged to their Rosary Society. Over the years, she made altar cloths for her church.

Many people in Mishawaka did not know Alberta by name, but knew her as the white haired lady who was always out working in her yard. At Allie’s Cafe, Alberta was one of the four “Toast Ladies.” These women met for toast and coffee each day after attending Mass. Alberta loved her family and was particularly fond of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Alberta’s surviving family includes her daughter, Lea (Louis) Houdek of Cortland, IL; two grandchildren, Jennifer (Fred Heuschel) Houdek of DeKalb, IL and Christian (Lisa) Houdek of Minneapolis, MN; five great grandchildren, Jackson, Evelyn and Nathaniel Heuschel and Annika and Carter Houdek; a brother, Pol (Zulma) VanHoey of Stekene, Belgium; and a sister-in-law, Lea Reese of Michigan City, IN.

Alberta was preceded in death by her husband, Maurice “Belgie” in 1986; and also three sisters and two brothers.

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday, June 20, at 11:30 am in St. Monica Catholic Church, 222 W. Mishawaka Ave., Mishawaka, with Rev. Jeffery Largent officiating. Burial followed in Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka.

Friends spent time with Alberta’s family Sunday, June 19, from 4:30 - 7:00 pm in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka, where the Rosary was prayed at 7:00 pm. Visitation was also Monday from 10:30 - 11:30 am in the church.

Contributions in Alberta’s memory are suggested to St. Monica Church to be used for their St. Vincent DePaul Food Collection Fund or to DeKalb County Hospice, 2727 Sycamore Road, Suite 1B, DeKalb, IL 60115.