Mary Koopmans

1934 - 2025

Mary Koopmans was born on March 24, 1934, in Bozam, Friesland, to Eldert and Fetske Schaap (Mulder). She peacefully passed away on March 5, 2025, in Burlington, WA, into the arms of her Lord and Savior.

Mary attended school in Friesland, where she took advanced courses in homemaking and sewing. She was also an accomplished ice skater. At the age of 17, Mary immigrated to the United States with her family, initially settling in Artesia, California. She married Ray Koopmans in 1955, and their oldest two sons were born in Artesia.  In 1960, the family moved to Mount Vernon, WA, where they rented a farm and began their own dairy operation. Their dairy endeavors in Washington were successful, and they eventually purchased their own dairy farm. Over the years, they were blessed with another son followed by four daughters. Their three sons later became dairy farmers.

Mary was a hard-working homemaker and a loving mother and grandmother. Her home was immaculate, and she was skilled in cooking, baking, washing, ironing, gardening, sewing, and cleaning—talents she used to care for her seven children. With a busy household, she was always kept on her toes, tending to hungry children, keeping them clean, and handling any sewing or alterations needed.

Mary had a great sense of fun and a delightful laugh. She was an active member of a bowling league and took daily walks around the neighborhood. After her children were raised, she enjoyed traveling and seeing new places. Shopping was one of her favorite pastimes, especially with her four daughters. They would spend time learning how to find quality items at great prices. Mary also enjoyed teaching them practical math skills while shopping—never directly telling them the discounted price but instead showing them how to calculate it on their own.

Mary is survived by her sister, Janice Bakker of Berlikum, Friesland, and her children: John (Bev) Koopmans, Ed (Kayla) Koopmans, Sid (Josie) Koopmans, Frances (Darren) Erhardt, Evie (Kevin) Bates, Irene Darnell, and Teresa (Brent) Vander Pol. She is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She often said, “Be fruitful and multiply,” and she certainly fulfilled this Biblical command. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ray, and her two sisters: Joukje, and Tina.

A service will be held at Hawthorne Funeral Home and Memorial Park on March 17 at 11:00 AM for the graveside service, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 11:30 AM and a luncheon reception. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the First Christian Reformed Church of Mount Vernon.