Maria Petronella Berendina Visser Isakson

Maria P.B. Visser Isakson

June 18, 1941 – March 7, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beautiful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, Maria Isakson. She passed away at her home suddenly and unexpectedly of natural causes on March 7, 2025, at the age of 83.

Maria was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith in the hereafter. Although her passing has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by her, we know that she is relieved to be reunited with her family who have been waiting for her.

Maria was born to Durk G. Visser and Maria Brinksma in Den Hague, Holland in The Netherlands on June 18, 1941. She was very proud of her Dutch heritage. Her home was filled with delft blue dishes, windmills, and wooden shoes but what we enjoyed most about grandma’s house were the stories she would share of her days in Holland. Hearing her use her native language to sing songs to the grandchildren was always special. Her Christmas traditions and yummy Dutch treats will still be a staple in our homes.

In 1950, due to the fallout of WWII, the family left everything behind to make the voyage to America. Being in a new land with a new language was difficult, but Maria mastered the written and oral language very quickly. She attended South High School and in 1957 she married Francisco Ibarra, later divorced. In 1961 she married Kenneth L. Isakson Sr. She was later employed by Becton-Dickinson as a quality control supervisor for many years before retirement. During her employment, Maria attended the University of Phoenix where she earned her bachelor’s degree in business management.

Maria’s spirit will live on in the lives of her five children, Teresa Ibarra, Rebecca Ibarra (Tracy Garner), Kenneth L. Isakson Jr. (Cindy), Michael D. Isakson (Gina), and Gary R. Isakson. She will be lovingly remembered by her fifteen grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and several great-great grandchildren. Her unwavering strength, determination, and ambition will guide us as we raise future generations in her honor. She will be missed by her siblings, Minke Shigoka, John Visser, and Mirjam Duffin, along with many nieces and nephews. Her best ‘four-legged’ friend and companion, Thor, will miss her most. She loved Thor with her whole being. Together, they made mom’s house a home.

Preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Pietje Van der Meide and Freda Whiting, and her brother Durk Visser, three beautiful granddaughters – baby Karalee, Kehndra, and Patricia, and most recently her beloved husband of 63 years, Kenneth Isakson Sr.

Those who knew Maria will remember her for her infectious smile and spontaneous sense of humor, her deep-rooted love of family, and her unwavering commitment to spreading love and kindness to everyone she met. We ask that you remember her not for the way her life ended, but for the way it was lived, and for the profound impact it had on the lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Although Maria’s physical presence may no longer grace our lives, her spirit will continue to inspire and uplift us. May her memory be a blessing, and may we carry forth her legacy of love and compassion in all that we do. Mom, your light will forever shine brightly in our hearts.

We love you momma, and we will always hear you say, “I love you more.”

A “Celebration of Life” will take place in June. That announcement will be made at a later date.