In Moorsel, East Flanders, family and friends said goodbye to Ilse Uyttersprot today. The former mayor of Aalst was found dead in her home last week. The funeral started at 11 am and could be followed via a live stream. A maximum of 100 people were allowed in the church, but no people were allowed to gather outside because of the corona measures.
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As the first speaker Yves Leterme (CD&V), ex-prime minister and fellow party member, the word (see video above). “We offer you our deep respect and compassion for the loss of your mother, the loss of your daughter. We show respect and gratitude towards a former colleague and good ally. ‘
Leterme praised Uyttersprot’s political career, both in Aalst and in national politics. ‘We got to know Ilse as the always friendly, smiling, but resolute and knowledgeable colleague on whose loyal commitment we could always count. You kept the trust of so many thousands of people for thirty years. The gratitude, friendship and respect of the common man propelled you further. You conquered a permanent place in the hearts of tens of thousands of people. ‘
Afterwards took Bart Van Lysebeth, Aalsters politician for CD&V, the floor. This is an immense trial. Words are not enough. Anger and rebellion against so much injustice now affect our confidence in life for a moment. ‘ Van Lysebeth praised, among other things, the efforts of Uyttersprot in Aalst club life: ‘It was as if Ilse could never get tired. She fought for budgets like a lioness. Its political significance and achievements can never be overestimated. ‘
But Van Lysebeth also returned to a painful passage in the political life of Uyttersprot in Aalst, when her powers as alderman were taken away by Mayor Christoph D’haese (N-VA). Van Lysebeth called it one of the ‘deep scars, for which Ilse hoped she would one day receive rehabilitation. She bites the pain inflicted on her in the political arena. ‘
“Ilse Uyttersprot was not a saint,” said Van Lysebeth. But there was something heroic about her, fueled by a loudly professed Christian inspiration. She experienced spirituality in being together. ‘
Names at the end of the Eucharist the two sons of Uyttersprot the word. “Dear Mommy, we are convinced you would have liked at least one of us to speak at your funeral.”
“We know you were proud of us, Mommy. You were our supporter from the very beginning. In life, at school, and at the basket. Nobody knows how you managed it, but we both feel that you didn’t miss any important moment in our lives. This came too soon. Now all that remains is the memory of a fantastic mother, a rock in our often turbulent surf. ‘
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