Obituary of Maria Van Loon

After almost 99 years of family and friends, love and laughter, caring and sharing, our dear Mother - Moeder, Grandma, Tanta Miet - left us in the early morning of October 20, 2020. Maria passed away quietly at the London Health Sciences Center, Victoria Campus. Maria was born in Asten, Netherlands. She was the 5th of fourteen children and she was the last surviving member of that generation. Maria was predeceased by her husband of 68 years, Antonius Van Loon, on Dec.14, 2015. Maria was the loving mother to Leo (Norma), Henrica (Gerard), John (Karen), Joe, Tony (Wilma), Andy (Alice), Ken (Melissa), Cathy (Bill), and Jackie. Maria is sadly missed by her 20 grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by sons Jack and Paul both in 2012, and grandson Wayne in 1997. Anthony and Maria immigrated to Canada from the Netherlands in 1952 and farmed in Wellington and Middlesex counties. During the 60 years that they grew crops and raised livestock together, Maria also maintained an amazing large garden full of fruits and vegetables that she shared with her family. By “share” we mean she made sure the whole family helped in the garden by pulling weeds, picking strawberries, and picking acres and acres of cucumbers during summer break. Nobody worked harder than she did though. She loved knitting and continued to knit and do other crafts until the end. It is unlikely that any of her kids or grandkids does not possess some slippers, socks, hats or cozied hangers that she lovingly created. Maria was very social and loved family events and her weekly meeting with “the card ladies”. She cared deeply for all her family and was very proud of the successful and good-natured people they have become. The family would like to thank Victoria Hospital and staff in the Palliative Care Wing for their compassionate care. Visitors will be received at St. Justin’s Church, 855 Jalna Blvd, London on Friday, October 23rd, from 10 o’clock until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11 o’clock. A private family interment will be held at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Ingersoll. Due to COVID-19 restrictions as per the Bereavement Authority of Ontario a limited number of people are able to attend the visitation and service. Please e-mail donohue@donohuefuneralhome.ca to register. In lieu of flowers, donations to the London Regional Cancer Program c/o LHSF would be appreciated. Memories and condolences may be made online at www.donohuefuneralhome.ca