Maria passed away peacefully on December 11, 2025, at Mt. St. Mary care home in Victoria, BC at the age of 93.
She was born in Geijsteren, Holland, the oldest of six children. She bravely followed Leo to Calgary in 1959, and they were married in 1963. She then moved to Nelson to support Leo going to university to become a teacher. They welcomed two daughters there, Joanne in 1964 and Bernadette in 1967 before moving to the town of Slocan where Maria’s giving nature flourished. She joined the Women’s Institute, the “do-gooders” of the community. She baked for bake sales and cooked to support all kinds of community causes, and her donations were eagerly sought after. She also gave endlessly of her time and visited the “shut ins” who really appreciated her, especially since she came with a jar of homemade jam!
In 1975 the family moved to Slocan Park. Maria continued to cook and bake, and her two freezers were full. You could always find a pail of soup and a pail of raspberries from the garden in one of them!
Maria also enjoyed reading, embroidery, coffee and walks with the neighbour and the dog and going swimming in the pool in Nelson. A highlight was traveling all over North America with Dutch visitors. Maria was also an active member of the Catholic Church community. In 2004 Leo and Maria moved to Victoria to be closer to their daughters and new grandson James with whom Maria played endless soccer, board games and racing cars.
Maria is survived by her two daughters Joanne (Curtis), Bernadette (Jay) grandson James as well as two sisters and numerous nephews and nieces. She is predeceased by her husband Leo and three siblings.
A Funeral Mass was held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Victoria, BC on March 5th, 2026.
We miss you Mom and Oma. Tot ziens.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Judy Herder (Winje)
I was sorry to recently hear of Maria’s passing. I have many fond memories of times spent with Maria, Easter egg hunts, Dutch apple cake, chocolate chip cookies, delicious fresh coffee, baby bunnies in the grass, making bell pulls, sorrel soup, walks in Slocan Park, surprise phone calls when writing became difficult for her, visits and lunch in Victoria. My condolences to Joanne and Bernadette and their families. Rest in sweet peace, my friend.
Judy Herder (Winje)