MARIA JANSSENS

February 10, 1929 - February 20, 2025
Psalm 62:1 'My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him."
On Friday, February 20, 2025, our dear mother, Oma, sister and aunt, Maria Anna Janssens, passed away peacefully at home at Pioneer Ridge at the age of 96. Mom received exceptional care at Pioneer Ridge for the past 2 1/2 years, for which we as a family are extremely thankful.

Maria Anna Schelhaas was born on February 10, 1929 to Tieme and Maria Anna Schelhaas, in Hoogeveen, The Netherlands. She worked as a lab technician in milk/butter factory before immigrating to Canada on December 9, 1952 at the age of 23, travelling on the ship Maasdam. After a 14-day voyage, she arrived at Pier 21 in Halifax. For four years prior to her immigration, Mom exchanged letters with Hilke Janssens. They were married on Sunday, May 17, 1953, in the Old Slate River Hall, where their kneeling bench was the backseat of a 1948 Studebaker. Together, Mom and Dad operated a dairy farm in Slate River for 47 years. Mom had a keen eye for selecting great cows, and she and Dad were a great team on the farm. Mom and dad were directors in the local and international plowing matches.

Mom had many gifts she was an excellent and avid seamstress, making clothes for her children and herself, earning numerous prizes at local fairs. In the evenings, when she knitted, the ticking of the needles often annoyed Dad. Mom was also an accomplished gardener, providing for her family from the bounty of her harvest. One of her daily joys was making chicken noodle soup, though after many years, we may not love it as much as she did.

Mom was an avid reader, especially of her Bible. In her later months, she was often found sleeping with her Bible open on her lap. Her faith was evident in every aspect of her life she had a deep passion for Evangelism, from her early days in Canada until her passing. She was a devoted member of the United Reformed Church, and we are grateful for the many visits she received from her church family.

Maria is survived by her children; Henry and Carol, Tim and Margo, Gien, Melvin and Alice, Murray and Brenda along with 14 grandchildren, and 39 great-grandchildren. Also survived by her sister Ina Koster, brother John Schelhaas, Tina Janssens, Joan Vellenga, Leo & Trudy Janssens, Hank & Anneke Janssens and many extended family members. Predeceased by her beloved husband, Hilke Janssens (2006), siblings Jannie (Tony) Eppinga, Tryntje (Roelef) Neutel, Jan (Riek) Schelhaas, Arie Koster, Rika Schelhaas, Jim Janssens, Alie & Klass Mol, Cor Janssens, Cecil & Anneke Janssens, Louis Vellenga and other cherished family members.

Acts 20:24: "However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me ~ the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.
Visitation for family and friends will be held at the United Reformed Church, 23 Highway 130, on Thursday, February 27, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM.

The committal service will take place Friday at Stanley Hill Cemetery prior to the funeral. Family and friends are invited to join us for the interment, from the United Reformed Church at 10:00 AM. The funeral service will be held on Friday, February 28, at 11:30 AM at the United Reformed Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bible League in Maria's memory.

On-line Condolences may be sent to www.blakefuneralchapel.com