Oma grew up in Holland, became a book keeper, and waited for the love of her live, Bill, to return to Holland after his three and a half years of military service in Indonesia. They married in 1950. The family moved to Vancouver Canada in 1954, and she continued to live in the Vancouver area for the duration of her life. Oma wife, mother and homemaker. She also had many second jobs including bookkeeping, waitress, baker, day care operator, and home care provider to name a few. She was a life member of CWL.
Mary is predeceased by her late husband of 67 years, William Fredrick Van Beek. Oma is survived by all her descendants including six (6) children: Agatha, Johanna (John), Bill (Enid), Maria (Rod), Anna (Dave), Gerry (Debbie). 19 Grandchildren: Cari, Christopher (Missy), Cameron, Catrina (Dan), Colin, Michelle (Terry), Jessica (Tyson), Adam (Kelsey), James (Cassie), Christina (Brad), Bill (Michelle), Alison (Mike), Kristy (Kevin), Andrea (Ben), Katie (Ryan), Greg (Briana), Nick (Nissa), Nancy-Ann (Mark), Robert (Ashley). 23 Great Grandchildren: Geradus, Ailley, Chaz, Grace, Matty, Quinton, Connor, Logan, Nathan, Kaliegh, Arlo, Brinley, Layla, Reid, Isabella, Colton, Henry, Julian, William, Jackson, Aidan, Jacob, Shayne.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother and will be missed greatly.
She loved working with her hands especially knitting, and embroidery, playing cards, board games, but mostly she loved being with family.
The family would like to thank the staff at Kiwanis Centre in New Westminster, for their caring attention to Oma over the last few years.
A Funeral Mass for Maria will take place on Thursday, January 24 at Gardens of Gethsemani Chapel 15694 32 Ave, Surrey at 10:00am. There will be a burial to follow at Gardens of Gethsamani with a reception for family and friends afterwards at Hazelmere Golf Course 15694 32 Ave, Surrey.
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