It is with great sadness that the family of Maria Cornelia Van Maurik (nee van der Wal) announce her passing on Wednesday June 15th, 2022 at the age of 96, just shy of her 97th birthday.
She was cared for by her family during a brave and courageous battle with cancer and held lovingly by her children as she drew her last breath. Mary is survived by her children: Anne Marie (Rudi), Henry (Yasmin), Andrew (Adrienne), Michele (Mark). Grandchildren: Ryan (Susan), Shanna (Tristan), Riley. Great Grandchildren: Ethan, Odin Predeceased by her husband Olaf (1986) Mary/Miep was born in the village of Loenen aan de Vecht in Utrecht, the Netherlands in 1925. She came from a large family of 10 children. As a teen, she had experienced the occupation of Holland and endured starvation, many hardships and witnessed the atrocities of war.
She had many fascinating stories to tell over the years and was so grateful to be liberated by the Canadian army. She enjoyed being a nanny and also worked in an art supply company making fine artist brushes. At the age of 25, She married artist Olaf Van Maurik and after having her first child, boarded a ship and made her way to Canada in 1953. Mary was a very dedicated mother and homemaker. She enjoyed raising her four children and spent many years camping at Bass Lake providing them with a love of the outdoors and nature. She loved going on long daily walks which kept her very fit well into her 90's. For many years, she was employed as a manageress for the gift shop at the Sutton place hotel where she enjoyed meeting many celebrities.
She was always impeccably dressed and adorned with one of her many beautiful necklaces she made herself. Travelling and visiting antique markets were her favourite pastimes. Mary will always be remembered as a very kind, gracious woman who took the time to listen and show interest in other people. Her positive outlook on life, endless energy and radiant smile made her unforgettable. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date.
The family wishes to acknowledge a special thank you to Dr. Paolo Mazzotta for his kindness and compassionate care, and the loving support we all received from her caregivers, Barbara, Dahlia, Blessing, Iva,Nika, Salaam and Dalissa as well as her nurses, Nada and Valentina. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Maria Van Maurik's name to the Temmy Latner centre for palliative care. https://secure.supportsinai.ca/site/Donation2?df_id=2305&mfc_pref=T&2305.donation=form1