Mary Vandermaal (nee Stroet)

May 14, 1937 - January 5, 2023
In loving memory ~
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Mary Vandermaal (nee Stroet) of Smithers, BC. She passed away peacefully with family at her side on January 5, 2023, at the age of 85.
Mary (Riet) will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by her children Debbie Thomas (Jack), Marcia Giddings (Ken), Marc Vandermaal (Holly), her brothers Jack and Bill and sister Willy, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.
Mary was predeceased by her husband Cornelius, her sisters Afra and Corry and her brother Pete.
She was born in Hoorn, Netherlands on May 14, 1937 to Johannes and Wilhelmina Stroet.
In 1954, during her voyage immigrating to Canada with her family, Mary met Cor, who she married on July 9, 1957. Mary and Cor were very involved with the beginnings of the Bulkley Valley Nordic Centre and together they enjoyed many years of skiing, biking, hiking and raising their children.
Mary cherished time spent with her family and every opportunity she had to play with and get to know her grandchildren and most recently her great-grandchildren.
Mary had a very strong faith and her church community was important to her. She loved singing in the choir and had been a member of the CWL for over 60 years.
She enjoyed spending time in her gardens, walking in nature, bird watching and yoga, as well as the coffee get-togethers and Sunday brunches with family and friends.
There will be a funeral mass on May 23, 2023, at 10:00 am at St. Joseph's Church, Smithers, B.C.