Memories of Marca – Olivia Hill

My friend, Marca, was one of the most genuine people in my life. We became friends through our mutual friend Bonnie van Montfrans in Aruba. I think Bonnie and I were in 4th grade at the time. I always remember Bonnie saying Marca wanted to meet me because she was curious about me. That would describe Marca perfectly. Curiosity was one of her best qualities and made her one of the most knowledgable people in my life. Her memory distinguished her throughout life. She remembered the most interesting details about any situation and we, her friends, just listened in awe as she would recall any incident from our childhood! Her humour was also legend. She would make up jokes on the spot in any circumstance. When I appeared for a Little Chill reunion on the day the Icelandic volcano erupted and caused closure of the skies over Europe to air travel, the minute she saw me, she said, “Thank God you got your ash over here, Hill!”

We were best friends throughout Jr High and High School with the group of girls who shared our love of sports, participating in every sport offered by Lago Schools and culminating in the wonderful Lago Lovelies Basketball team. Our friendship became like the sport itself, “Hoops of Steel”. We loved the thrill of running up and down passing that basketball to each other and shooting it when we could. I do not believe we lost a single game in our history but of course, we have to admit we had the best conditions and coach in Jim Downey, may he Rest in Peace! And our star player, Marca van Ogtrop, had the height and prowess that gave us all those wins! Believe it or not, I do not remember exactly how tall Marca was but I think she might have been 6 foot. However, because she considered her height a disadvantage, perhaps in the dating scene, to appear more petite, she would refer to herself as 5 foot 12. That was Marca's beautiful humour!

Lago memories are some of the best for those of us who grew up in Aruba. The island was full of beauty albeit a very dry place with sharp coral underfoot. How we loved the beaches and the aquamarine Caribbean waters and we spent a lot of time working on our tans. Marca excelled there. She had the best skin and we all believed that Baby Oil was the way to go. Our freckly friend Bub, would wisely, consistently cover up with clothes and towels to preserve her Scottish skin. Being the eternal optimist, I allowed full exposure on my Irish skin much to my present regret, and never did tan. But Marca and Bonnie seemed to always manage to have the perfect tans. We lived in constant envy.

Marca and her big family were among my fondest Aruba memories. Because of the joy I felt being in the midst of such a dynamic environment, I determined there and then to have a large family. I decided to have at least 10 children. I later had to tell people that God did bless me abundantly but he only gave me 6 of the 10. Marca's mom and dad each played a crucial role in my conversion to Catholicism in 1972. On one particular trip to Oranjestad with Dr John, we stopped off for prayer at the famous Frenchman's Pass Grotto. I'll never forget the beauty of the spot and the intention. It opened up a whole new world to me. Mrs.VO took me to my first ever Stations of the Cross along with the 3 youngest VOs. In those teenage years my imagination was fired up increasingly with each individual station of the Passion of Christ. I was unable to hold back the tears. I know they thought I was loopy but as a result of that one close encounter with Jesus, my road to conversion became a reality. 

When Marca first became a student and lived in a tiny apartment in DC, and our friend Chet was also in DC, in a slightly larger studio apartment, we had our first reunion. I flew in from Belfast and Bub came down from New York. We had so much fun together and also managed to get into a little trouble. We visited the Lincoln Memorial at night, climbing over the very low chains which looked like decorations really. When security corralled us and asked us where we were from, of course I said, “Belfast.” It was 1968. The guy immediately said, “Oh, oh. I wouldn't say that if I were you.” They had heard about the “Troubles” but in those days they gave us the benefit of the doubt and let us go without consequence. How things have changed since then!

Living mostly in Europe during my married life, I had little opportunity to visit with Marca but when I was able to join her and the other Lago Lovelies, I loved every minute of it. Truly friendships are made in Heaven. I loved the time I spent in “Aruba Too” at Bethany Beach. I think those reunions were particularly gratifying due to the beach, the fantastic thrift store she introduced us to, and Marca's wonderful ability to capture the essence of Aruba with her interior design. That was true of her beautiful home in DC as well, especially her “Aruba room,” 

I was so upset when Marca's symptoms were diagnosed as a brain tumor and just could not believe that none of the treatments were to any avail. But our Creator has His own plan. Marca is now reunited with her Joe and all of her clan so far be it from me to complain. I already miss Marca immensely and I would just like to say that Marca and Bonnie who I thought of as one entity, were two of the best friends of my life and I ask God to receive them both into His Kingdom of Love and Glory.

Marca was our amazing childhood friend.  We were part of each other’s lives & families for over 70 years, especially in Aruba, WDC and Bethany Beach.  Marca was generous, witty, articulate, compassionate & a fierce advocate for the planet and those most impacted. 

She not only played Center of our high school basketball team, the Lago Lovelies, but she was also the anchor of the Lago Lovelies as we continued our nurturing and fun gatherings.  We have spent so much of our lives connecting and reconnecting with each other.  I am incredibly blessed with this friendship, which is why I will miss Marca forever but treasure our memories.  Love you, zusje,  Chet (Joyce)

How does one remember the wonderful shared memories of a treasure you cherished for over 70 years? Marca was a bright star that so many relied on for her spirit. The small island of Aruba is where her wonderful family lived and bonds were made with friends that have endured all these years. We will all miss her,  but she will always be a part of us. 

What a gift it was to have Marca as such a close friend of the family for as long as I can remember. She was so welcoming, loving and caring. She will be greatly missed, but her generous spirit will always be with us and her memory a blessing.

Thank you, Marca, for embodying this proverb for me - your compassion for others, and your positivity in the face of such adversity with your cancer inspires me. Muff and Elsje... outstanding true sisters representing an amazing family.

Missing you, Marca - love you... lots.
     Jenn

Arabian Proverb
	
A friend is one to whom
	One may pour out
All the contents of one’s heart,
	Chaff and grain together,
Knowing that the gentlest of hands
	Will take and sift it,
Keep what is worth keeping
	And with the breath of kindness,
Blow the rest away.


Marca's creativity, always shared through giving, was amazing. How she found the things she brought/gave/displayed - that captured the just right specialness of the person or the occasion. This was just the outward sign of her loving and giving core. Al and I were married three weeks after Marca and Joe in June 1975. We attended each others' weddings, and most years, gathered together some evening in June to celebrate joint anniversaries. We will deeply miss her fun, laughter, deep concern for others and for the causes she and Joe championed.  Betsy and Al Vourlekis

A complicated, beautiful woman, who showered love on the world, and had so much generosity that even those who knew her only briefly felt seen and appreciated.
Chuck Bean

Dear Marca, my big sister, I have so many memories of our growing- up years and I keep those memories close to my heart.  Your kind and generous spirit was so inspiring and I will miss you so much at our beloved Bethany Beach.  Rest in peace, dear one. Love, Elsje

My dear sister Marca, my days will never be quite the same without you in them the myriad of times over the last almost 5 years of your illness.
It has been my privilege to be your friend, your caregiver and your sister.
Rest In Peace forever.
I love you.  Muff

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Marca van Ogtrop Piehuta

21 octobre 1946 – 20 novembre 2022

DeVol Funeral Home

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