With heartfelt sadness we announce that Maria "Riet" Schouten passed away peacefully at the age of 74 on February 28, 2004 at Menno Home, Abbotsford, B.C. She was born in Den Haag, Holland in 1929, married Jan Schouten in April 1954 and immigrated to Canada. They lived in Burnaby until 1972 when the family moved to Abbotsford.
She is lovingly remembered by her family, 6 children: Trudy Enns, John (Angela) Schouten, Marika (Dirk) Swagerman, Renita (Wayne) Sawkins, Peter Schouten, and Janine (Dryal) Sepp. Oma will also be deeply missed by her 16 grandchildren; Michelle (Che), Janice, Rob, Ken, Paul, Kristina; Joyce, Jonnathan; Dirk-Jan, Constantijn, Melinda; Jason, Ricky; Amanda, Tanya, Jesse; 5 great-grandchildren Alanna, Levi, Ashleigh, Shayna, Elijah; brothers Henoch Henneveld, Gigs Henneveld, sister Hannie (Coen) Winkelman; sisters-in-law Ety Forseth, Willy McGibbon; many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Predeceased by her parents Johannes and Maria Henneveld, and sister Ans Pranger.
Maria loved the Lord and was always studying the Bible. She expressed this through playing hymns and spiritual songs. She was blessed with a profound love of music, especially organ music. She studied piano and graduated Grade 9 Royal Conservatory of Music in preparation to fulfill her life long dream of becoming an organist. Maria composed and arranged music, sang in many choirs and has been choir director for a time. Her passion for music never left her and she was still playing for others during the time she was in Ebenezer Home. In the later years, her activities were mainly limited to listening to music and going to concerts which gave her great pleasure.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, March 3rd, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. at Trinity Christian Reformed Church at 3215 Trethewey Street with Rev. Alvin Beukema officiating. Burial will be held at Hazelwood Cemetery. Reception to follow at the church hall. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude for the loving care shown by all the staff at Menno Home, especially the Alzheimer Wing.
HENDERSON'S FUNERAL HOME 604-854-5534