Maria Wilhelmina Van Pelt

September 2, 1932 - March 17, 2025

In loving memory ~

It is with sadness we announce the passing of Maria Van Pelt. It is with joy we share a bit of Maria's life and the positive impact she had on family and friends. We have many happy memories that will sustain us in the years ahead.

Maria was born in The Hague, The Netherlands. She was the youngest of 10 brothers and sisters. As the youngest, her mom was protective of Maria. Maria grew especially close to her brothers and sisters close to her age. The invasion of Nazi Germany, when Maria was 7, interrupted her childhood years for the following 5 years. During air raids Maria was given the task of gathering everyone's shoes and placing them in a secure location. Each Remembrance Day Maria would watch the ceremonies on TV to remember the brave Canadian soldiers who liberated The Netherlands.

After the war she met her life-long sweetheart, Adriaan (Art). She happened to open the door when Art came knocking looking for her brother. They began dating but Maria's (protective) mom told her she was too young to date. Maria would not give up and after a month she and Art resumed dating and fell in love. In 1952 Maria and Art came to Canada with Maria's parents and a number of brothers and sisters. After several months Maria's parents decided to return to the Netherlands and as the youngest daughter Maria was required to return as well. However, Maria's love for Art was strong so she returned to Canada on her own in 1953 and married Art on November 21, 1953.

Maria and Art worked hard at whatever jobs they could get to pay the rent and buy food. They learned English from their nieces and nephews. Soon they were making their way and could buy land to build a home for son, Art and daughter, Linda. They both worked long hours in their greenhouse operation and provided their kids with the foundation and opportunity to continue their education and excel in their careers.

As a mom, Maria gave love and support to her children and grandchildren unconditionally. Maria was a fantastic Oma for her granddaughters Michelle (Devin), Ginny (Robin), Stephanie (Scott), Kelsey (Andy) and Kailin (Jeremy) and her great-grandkids Axton, Maxime, Adriaan and Mila. Maria spent significant time helping raise her triplet granddaughters, initially having one triplet sleep over each night for 4 months, then on Saturdays all three, so mom and dad could have free time and an occasional vacation. Once Kailin came along, she also loved the weekends she spent with her Oma and maintained their close connection into adulthood. Maria introduced all the grandchildren to Dutch chocolate sprinkle sandwiches which amazed the other kids in school. She provided her family with an unshakable foundation of love, self-belief, and courage to realise their dreams.

The family has many more memories and would like to share some of them with family and friends at a celebration of life which will be held on Saturday May 17, 2025, at 2pm at the Burnett Church, 20639 123rd Avenue, Maple Ridge.

The family so appreciates the thoughts and kindness of friends and family. For those that would like to do so, donations in Maria's name to the Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation in lieu of flowers.