Marie A. Haringa

Marie A. (Wassenaar) Haringa, 92, passed away on June 19, 2025. She most recently resided at the Whitinsville Retirement Home. She was the wife of Theodore E. 'Ted' Haringa, who passed away in April of 2023. They shared 68 years of marriage, celebrating their last wedding anniversary in April of 2022.
Marie was born February 28, 1933, in Whitinsville; the daughter of the late Jacob J. and Elizabeth (Hoekstra) Wassenaar. She was a graduate of the Whitinsville Christian School; Northbridge High School, Class of 1950; and the Blodgett Memorial School of Nursing, Class of 1953, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Marie was a charter member of the Fairlawn Christian Reformed Church in Whitinsville where she served for many years as an organist, Choir Fest coordinator, choir member, Dorcas Society member, and was always a ready volunteer. Marie also sang with the Salisbury Singers of Worcester, MA, for over forty years.
After a short nursing career, Marie retired to raise her children, but continued to serve on the VNA board in Northbridge for several years. She was also active in the Whitinsville Christian School Mother's Club and she proudly held a high scoring average until she was 91 years old with the Christian Women's Bowling League at Sparetime Recreation.
Described by her husband as 'the flower lady', Marie was an avid gardener at their home, transforming their outdoor space into an oasis of color and beauty. Together, Marie and Ted shared a passion for the arts, attending innumerable concerts of classical, organ, choral, and orchestral music, as well as live theater. They were also well-traveled, exploring other parts of the world including the ancestral Netherlands, Europe, and Greece.
Marie was an outgoing and gracious host, welcoming countless guests and visitors from near and far. Her greatest joy was having family around for any occasion. In her interactions with others, from a brief encounter to an extended stay, her gift was making sure each person felt well cared for.
Marie is survived by her children: Barbara Knapper, Steve (Ruth) Haringa, Jane (Dave) Buteyn, Tim (Lorraine) Haringa; a brother – James (JoAnne) Wassenaar, two sisters – Joan (Andy) VanderSloot and Ruth (Marv) Naylor. She is also survived by her 13 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren, her pride and joy. Marie was predeceased by her son-in-law, Henry Knapper; her brother, David Wassenaar; and two sisters-in-law, Elsie Wassenaar and Jackie Wassenaar.
The family of Marie would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff and residents of the Whitinsville Retirement Home for the love, friendship and care that Marie was blessed with during the three years she resided there.
Also immense gratitude to the Faith and Family Hospice for their support, guidance, and care Marie and the family received from their excellent staff.
Finally, much appreciation to the professional care and kindness shown to her in her last days at Blackstone Valley Health and Rehabilitation.
Visiting hours will be Saturday, June 28, 2025 from 9:45 – 10:45 AM in the Fairlawn Christian Reformed Church, 305 Goldthwaite Road, Whitinsville followed by a funeral service at 11 AM in the church's sanctuary.
Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Linwood Ave., Whitinsville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations maybe made to the Whitinsville Retirement Home, 10 Chestnut Street, Whitinsville, MA 01588 or to the Fairwoods Christian Recreation Society Inc., 116 West Hartford Ave., Uxbridge, MA 01569 or to the Whitinsville Christian School, 279 Linwood Ave., Whitinsville, MA 01588.