a year ago, good strength in this difficult time

O Ria I just heard , I am so sorry I didn’t keep in touch , we can only use Covid as an excuse for so long . You where a great boss , mentor and friend and a great person . I will always miss you . I know you where a great mom  and grandmother wife , mother-in-law and sister daughter and aunt . I will always remember you , Meredith Mcclurg 

Auntie Ria was a very kind and hospitable lady.  She had the love of God overflowing out of her heart to those around her.  I shall miss her presence at St. Matthew’s and at family gatherings.  Rest In Peace Auntie Ria.

I learned so much from my aunt the last 20 years.  She was a strong woman with a tough exterior, knowing her, you knew she always cared.  When I lived abroad, she would always send handwritten letters, telling me about her travels, what she was up to and of course, how her sons were doing.  I remember when my cousins made Depot- she was so proud.  Every year, she would send Christmas cards, birthday wishes and when I had my own children, she would remember their birthdays and send her blessings.  I will miss those messages from her.  I remember the last time we went for lunch, she was so proud of her new space and almost giddy that she could visit with her grandchildren at any time.  Her grandchildren were her joy.  When we visited auntie Ria during her final days, she was weak but used all of her energy to let us know she knew we were there.  Although she could not speak, it was evident she was touched by all of the messages from family.  She was weak, but when her eldest grandchild said:  “Oma, I have a bunny for you”- you could tell it touched her heart.  My aunt gave herself to others, without asking for anything in return- that is the legacy she leaves.  She raised two amazing sons, who married two equally amazing women and it’s comforting to know that her spirit and memory will live on through her sons and her grandchildren.  Rest in peace Auntie Ria, till we meet again.  Have a happy 80th birthday in Heaven!

The joy of the Lord is my strength. That,s my sister Ria, she believed  it and lived by it.Live was not always easy, but she knew with Gods help she would get there.We knew her best as a youngster  with her nose in the books.She became a teacher, spend holidays in youth hostels as a volunteer, she even went flatting,then she got herself a job with the Shellcompany in Singapore,  that was our Ria!.She lovedSingapore,where she met and married  Paul,she was very happy.They became parents  to 2 beautiful  boys  Alan and Michel of which she is very proud.To complete his studyPaul needed to go to Canada,  which was hard, later they too could go there, and they were a happy family again. Canada  was good to them, the boys became police officers,  then husbands to 2 lovely ladies, that she looked  on as her daughters Then at 75 she  got the joy of being  a Oma, 3 times, to beautiful  loving Emily, Kiano and Nico. Living  with Michel and Christine, in the house he so lovingly prepared  for her,and Paul was the icing on the cake.It is a life that was lived to the full. Ria l will miss you my sister.Till we meet again.




I was sad when i heared that my aunt had passed away. The only thing that was possitive is that the pain that she had from the desease is gone. I hope that you remember Ria of the love she gave to you. Also i would like to wish the direct family lots of strengh in the comming time.

Rob de Visser

Ria was the first one to welcome me to St Matthews and the CWL.  She quickly became a treasured friend.  We shared many “road trips” on CWL business and shared so many laughs.  Her amazing spiritual strength and love of humanity shone through everything she took on.  I loved working with her.  We kept in touch often once I moved to Vernon and loved getting her cards and emails.  We shared a love of grandchildren and family.
I will so miss this wonderful lady.  Heaven awaits her with open arms.  My deepest  sympathy to the Ling family.

OBITUARY

Maria Johanna Emanuel Henrica Ling

June 27, 1940 – May 29, 2020

Henderson's Langley Funeral Home

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