Van de Ven, Maria "Mary" Johanna, 96, of Antigonish passed away on November 22 at St. Martha’s Regional Hospital, Antigonish, surrounded by her family.

Born in Dinther, Holland, she was the daughter of the late Marinus and Petronella Verkuylen.

We were truly blessed to have Mom (Oma) for 96 wonderful years.

Mary immigrated from Holland with Adrian in 1951, fulfilling their dream of owning a farm.  To Mom, family was everything and she held a special place in her heart for each one of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Her strong faith in God guided her through the joys and trials of life; every evening she could be found praying the rosary. 

After 27 years of farming, Mary and Adrian moved to Antigonish.  She became a member of the CWL and Club 60, and worked for food services at StFX University.

Everyone who met Mom loved her and will always remember her kind heart, beautiful smile, and gentle ways. 

She was so grateful for everything that was done for her and was always ready to help anyone in need.  She did this with great pleasure and joy.

She is survived by children: Ardina "Dena" MacDonald, Fox Brook; Petronella "Patsy" (Chris) MacDonald, Hopewell; Marinus "Rinus" (Lynn) van de Ven, Judique; Adriana "Janie" (Garry) van den Heuvel, Brook Village; Paulina (Francis) Landry, Pomquet; Herman (Debbie) van de Ven, Lakeview, NS; 18 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren; and brothers, Bert and Jos Verkuylen.

She was predeceased by her husband, Adrian; sisters, Sjaan van Beekveld and Francisca Maria Richters; and brothers, Leo, Antoon, and Gerard Verkuylen.

Visitation will be in C.L Curry Funeral Home, 135 College Street, Antigonish, from 2 to 4 pm on Sunday, November 28.  Funeral will be held on Monday at 11:00 am in St. Ninian Cathedral with Reverend Danny MacLennan presiding.  Burial in the parish cemetery.

Donations in memory may be made to the Antigonish Town & County Palliative Care Society or St. Martha’s Regional Hospital Foundation.

The family would like to thank her wonderful neighbours who were always so good to her;  the doctors, nurses, and staff at St. Martha’s for the care they gave mom, and a special heartfelt thank you to the palliative care team for going above and beyond with the love, dedication, and care they gave to Mom. 

Covid 19 protocols, mandatory masks,proof of vaccination and photo ID required for both the visitation and Funeral Mass