Marie Veenendaal

Marie was born at home in Laton, California to Steven and Lutje (Duyst) Koelewyn. She was the youngest of five and being the baby, she was the pride and joy of her older siblings. Especially her sister Grace, who Marie absolutely adored.

Marie attended Kings River Hardwick before transferring to Hanford Christian School where she met her future husband, Henry William Plooy aka Jack. She graduated from Hanford Christian School in 1948 and continued her education at Laton High School where she was affiliated with Junior Homemakers and other student groups. While they attended different high schools, Marie and Jack remained in contact and began dating in 1950, Marie’s sophomore year of high school. Marie went on to graduate from Laton High School in 1952, and after that, worked as a phone operator. Marie and Jack wed on March 26, 1953. Over the next 11 years they welcomed five children. Marie devoted her days to raising her children. Jack became ill and passed away in 1977. After Jack’s passing, Marie worked as a housekeeper for seven years.

In 1985 with the help of her brother John, Marie met Joe Veenendaal. The two fell in love and wed in April of 1986. Together they enjoyed traveling the country in their Airstream and camping trips with family. When not traveling, Marie would be at home enjoying a good book, or cooking up a delicious Sunday dinner for her family. She loved making her grandchildren their favorite desserts and always had a pink box of Superior Dairy vanilla ice cream in the freezer for their visits. After Joe passed away in 2014, Marie enjoyed girl’s trips to the beach with her daughters, granddaughters, and great granddaughter. She looked forward to her family popping in for a visit and if you planned it right, you caught 4pm tea time. There were always home baked goodies to go with it. In later years when life got hard for her, Marie’s children and granddaughters stepped in to take care of her. Moments shared that are so precious now. Marie also had a handful of amazing caregivers that made it possible for her to stay in her home for as long as possible.

Marie lived a life full of love, resilience, and kindness. Whether through her sweet disposition or gentle words of encouragement, she left an indelible mark on anyone who knew her. Though she may no longer walk among us, her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who loved her.

Marie was preceded in death by her mother and father, Steven and Lutje (Duyst) Koelewyn. Her first husband, Henry (Jack) Plooy, her second husband, Joe Veenendaal, her sister Grace Luksemburg, and her brothers John, Steven Jr, and Cornelius Koelewyn.

Marie is survived by her children: Vickie and Joe Rocha, Steve and Sandy Plooy, Cyndy and Roger Aguirre, Laurie and Todd Mello, and Stan and Jeany Plooy all of Hanford, CA. Her grandchildren: Bill Rocha, Tim Plooy, Ranae Aguirre, Jaime Rocha, Jeff (Brooke) Plooy, David (Amber) Aguirre, Ashlynn (Lamont) Harris, James Aguirre, Travis (Glennda) Mello, Darren Mello, Gregory Plooy, and Ana Plooy. She also leaves behind eighteen great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Marie was also loved by Joe’s children; Retta(John) Van Eyk of Hanford, Evelyn(Jerry) Pereira of Visalia and Hank(Shirley) Veenendaal of Hanford along with their children and grandchildren.

Rest in peace Marie. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, April 9th at 9:30am at Hanford Cemetery followed by a service to honor and celebrate her life at 11:00am at First Christian Reformed Church in Hanford, CA.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hanford Christian School or Lakeside Community Church in memory of Marie Veenendaal.