HAARTMAN, Maria Louiza (nee Zylstra) After a lifetime of devotion to her family and community, Maria’s love for others circled back to enfold her with loving support as she faced a succession of health challenges in the last years of her life. She slipped away peacefully on March 20, 2019 in her 90th year.
Beloved wife of Bill with whom she shared life’s journey for almost 70 years. Predeceased by her dear children Agnes and John. Left to cherish her memory are her much loved daughters Dorothy (the late David), and Carol (Carl). Devoted grandmother to Adrian, Lorr (Josh), Jennifer (Ryan) and Dan. Cherished great-grandmother to Anna and survived by her dear daughter-in-law Wendy (Dino). Maria was one of an extended family of siblings including the late Cecil, Joanne (the late Dick), Nettie (the late Carl), Tom (Lina), Andrew (the late Edith), Agnes (Bill), and Mark (Corrie). She also leaves behind many nephews, nieces, her special friend Mary and cherished best friend, Jean.
Maria was born and raised in the Netherlands. As the eldest daughter of a large family, she filled a vital role as second mother to her younger siblings. Shortly after WWII she immigrated to Canada as a young bride in 1949. For the remainder of her life she devoted herself to family by serving and caring for others. Maria was always one to express contentment and gratitude, often insisting she was “A-1 OK” right until the end. Being a woman of few words, one of her great achievements was making herself heard. She reached out beyond her inner circle through volunteering both in her church and the community. She taught us to give of ourselves and our resources “while the hand is still warm.”
Maria’s patience and meticulous nature were demonstrated in her beautiful needlework creations. She was also a wonderful travel companion to our dad on their many summer road trip adventures throughout North America and her beloved “Holland.”
All are invited to join us for a Celebration of Life at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 6 at St. Andrew’s United Church (479 Upper Paradise Rd. near Mohawk Rd. in Hamilton). Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. prior to the church service.
Special thanks go to the nursing staff at Juravinski hospital as well as St. Elizabeth’s Villa and the ongoing spiritual support of St. Andrew’s Church.
To honour Maria’s legacy please open your heart to others through simple acts of caring, compassion, kindness and generosity.
Online condolences can be made at www.cresmountfennellchapel.com