Maria Frederica Huybers

Maria Frederica Huybers was born on February 20, 1926, and died on April 13, 2026, at the age of 100. A longtime resident of Willowdale, Ontario, Maria will be remembered with deep respect and gratitude for a life marked by steadfast devotion, quiet resilience, and a generosity that reached far beyond her own home.

In June of 1949, Maria came to Canada from the Nederlands, arriving in Quebec City by an Indonesia Troop ship after a 12-day journey. Three years after arriving in Quebec, Maria and her family moved to Ontario, where they formed enduring friendships with the Bennett Family after her husband became their farm hand. They formed a strong bond with the extended Dutch families, the Koppens, the Verbakels and the Van Beeks.These lasting bonds reflected Maria’s steady nature and her gift for building community wherever life placed her.

Maria met her late husband while he was working on his family farm; as she became older, he stole her bike as an excuse to speak to her. That simple, memorable beginning grew into a life of shared commitment. Maria was predeceased by her husband, John Peter Huybers.

Maria is survived by her daughters: Margaret, Diane, Johanna (Jim), and Beryl (Brian). She is also lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Tom, Mary Ellen (Ziggi), Amy (Shawn), and Adam; and by her great-grandchildren: Jackson, Miles, and Henry.

Maria expressed her care for others in practical, faithful ways. She knitted socks and baby blankets and donated them to Rosalie Hall, to Indigenous communities, and to her caregivers—acts of kindness that spoke to her enduring concern for the comfort and dignity of others.

Even in her late 90s, Maria was still making new friends, a testament to a spirit that remained open, steadfast, and engaged with the people around her. Her long life leaves a legacy of devotion to family, resilience through change, and generosity offered without hesitation.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to War Amps or to your favourite charity.