Maria T. Wayland

Maria Theresia Sjaantje, nee Van Der Giesen, Wayland, 90, of Lenzburg, IL, born April 6, 1934, in Tjimahi, Java, Indonesia, passed away at her residence on Friday July 12, 2024. She was a homemaker. She was a member of St. Agatha Catholic Church in New Athens, IL. She was a longtime New Athens Brownie leader and was a founding member of the Netherlands Society in St. Louis, MO.
She was preceded in death by her parents – Barend Arie and Maria (Eestermans) Van Der Giesen, her beloved husband – Howard Lee Wayland, who passed away on April 18, 1984, two daughters – Melissa Wayland in 1977 and Melanie Wayland Jensen, in 2023 and one son – Murray Wayland in 2009. Also preceding her was her brother – Barend G. Van Der Giesen.
She is survived by her daughter – Marjorie Wayland of Lenzburg, IL, son – Merritt (Tammie) Wayland of Waterloo, IA, her very special "daughters" – Marta B. Perez von Borsig and her son Michael, Fabiola Perez, and the Perez family. Also surviving her are grandchildren – Derek Schmeiderer, Dirk (Michelle) Schmeiderer, Dane (Sybrina) Schmeiderer, Drake Schmeiderer, Donny Schmeider, Alexis Wayland, Kyle Wayland, Nicholas (Kimberley) Wayland, Meriah (Debra) Buss, Maria (Tyler) Scariano, Matthew Buss, Marcus Buss, great grandchildren – Elizabeth, Felicity, Diesel, Peyton, Joseph, Daicee, Tory, Bethany, Lucas, Kinsley, Gabby, David, Chad, Sean, Conner and Jenna, sister-in-law – Ofelia Clinton, son-in-law – Arne A. Jensen, Jr. and other relatives and friends throughout the world.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Memorials may be made in the form of Masses or to the Marissa Food Pantry.
Visitation: 9 – 11 a.m. on Wednesday July 17, 2024, at St. Agatha Catholic Church in New Athens, IL.
Funeral: Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday July 17, 2024, at St. Agatha Catholic Church in New Athens, IL with Fr. Michael Arockiam officiating. Burial will follow at St. Agatha Catholic Cemetery in New Athens, IL.
Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens, IL is in charge of arrangements.