Martha DEVOS

29 APR 1915 - 19 AUG 2016

• BIRTH: 29 APR 1915, Eernegem, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium
• DEATH: 19 AUG 2016, Mishawaka, Indiana

• MARRIAGE: 9 FEB 1939, Eernegem, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium

INDEX

[N15201] Martha Sabbe
Nee DeVos
Apr. 29, 1915 - Aug. 19, 2016

MISHAWAKA - Today marks the end of an era for the Sabbe Family. Our matriarch, Martha Sabbe, passed on peacefully in her sleep this morning. Grandma Sabbe was 101-years-young. She lived an amazing life blessed with family, friends, her unshakeable faith and good health. Grandma survived two World Wars, came to the United States in 1948 and raised four children, 10 grandchildren, 17 great- grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. She was a tiny bundle of boundless energy and seemed, not only tireless, but immortal. Grandma made friends everywhere she went. She was a constant inspiration to our family and nearly everyone in our hometown. While the world is a darker place today, Grandma's memory and spirit will shine forever. Martha was born on April 29, 1915 in Eernegem, Belgium to August and Aelisa (Bonte) DeVos. She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Madeleine and Irma; brothers, Marcel and Firmin; and a daughter-in-law, Nancy Sabbe. On February 9, 1939 in Eernegem, Belgium as the former Martha DeVos, she married George Sabbe who passed away on June 7, 1987. Surviving are her children, Marie (Bob) Smith of Fort Myers, FL, Joseph M. Sabbe of Mishawaka, Michael A. (Pat) Sabbe of Farmington Hills, MI and Donald G. (Joan) Sabbe of Decatur, MI, 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. Martha was a member of St. Bavo Catholic Church, St. Joseph Hospital Mishawaka Hospital Auxiliary and also a volunteer at the Hospital for many years, and worked at West End Bakery in Mishawaka well into her 90's. Martha was known for her kindness to everyone; whether walking in town or at church she was always smiling. Visitation will be on Tuesday, August 23rd from 2:00 to 6:00 pm in Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka, with the Rosary being recited at 5:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, August 24th, at 10:00 am in St. Bavo Catholic Church, Mishawaka, with Rev. Barry England officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka. Memorial contributions may be made to Mishawaka Catholic School, 511 W. 7th Street, Mishawaka, IN 46544. To leave the family an online condolence, please visit our website at www.hahnfuneralhomes.com. Published in South Bend Tribune on Aug. 22, 2016