Obituary of Maria Henrietta Cecilia Gerritsen

November 23, 1930 – January 23, 2022

It’s with our deepest and profound sadness that we announce the very peaceful passing of Maria Henrietta Cecilia Gerritsen (nee van Duren), the wife of the late Peter Gerritsen of Rockyford, Alberta, on January 23, 2022, at the age of 91. 

Maria is survived by her children, Mary (Brent) Atcheson, Hans Gerritsen, Marlies (Glenn) Gerritsen, Chris (Kathy) Gerritsen, Val (Dave) Gerritsen, and Vince (Kari Lynn) Gerritsen as well as fourteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Maria was born and raised in Bemmel, Netherlands and was proud to have worked in the local town office after receiving her education at a boarding school. She grew up in a family who operated commercial greenhouses in which she would tell many stories of how she loved working side by side with her brother, and father who nicknamed her Miechke. Throughout her life Maria had a respectful and peaceful connection with the earth and nature and loved to work for hours on end in the outdoors beautifying her surroundings. 

Maria met Peter, the love of her life, and eventually married on July 7^th, 1953 in Bemmel. Two weeks later, together they bravely ventured out and immigrated to Canada hearing it was a great country with opportunity and would be a good place to raise their future family. Eventually, they settled in Rockyford, Alberta. While raising their family of six children, they owned and successfully operated Peter Gerritsen Water Well Drilling. Eventually they purchased and moved to the farm in Baintree where they loved the country living and eventually retired from both drilling and farming. Besides the love she always showed to her family any time they would come to visit, she will kindly be remembered for welcoming friends, clients and any friendly face who showed up in Baintree. This visit always included coffee or tea and a table full of fresh baked goods.  

Maria spent her most recent years in AgeCare Sagewood in Strathmore where the love and care she received from all who worked there was amazing and incredibly appreciated by her family. In Maria’s last hours with her children close by her side whispering their love for her, she raised her hands holding theirs up to her heart, and peacefully breathed her last breath. She will be dearly and forever missed, however, we are very happy she is once again with Peter, the love of her life.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Maria’s memory, to the Alzheimer Society of Canada (www.alzheimer.ca)

Due to covid protocols, a private Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, January 31, 2022 at St. Rita’s Catholic Church, Rockyford at 11:00 a.m.

The service will be live streamed and will be available to watch at approximately 10:50 a.m. by clicking on the link at this location. It will also be available to watch at this location any time following the funeral service.

To watch the live stream, click here.