Mary Suzanne Vandenabeele

Obituary for Mary Vandenabeele

November 22, 1944 – November 26, 2025

Mary Suzanne Vandenabeele, a devoted mother, cherished sister, and compassionate caregiver, passed away on November 26, 2025.

Born on November 22, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, Mary was raised with love and guidance by her parents, George and Mary Lienau.

Mary devoted herself to raising her two sons, Robert and Timothy, whom she loved with unwavering dedication and pride. As a single mother, she embodied strength and resilience, ensuring her sons always knew the depth of her love.

She also shared a deep and special bond with her sister, Linda DeVoogd-a relationship marked by unshakable love, laughter, and support. Mary was a beloved aunt to her nephews Todd and Bruce, her niece Jill, and a joyful presence in the lives of their children.

Later, Mary fulfilled a long-held dream by purchasing her own home in Weymouth, Massachusetts, which became a haven for her family and a place of service to others. She worked many years as a caretaker for adults with special needs - many of them boarding with her family - and offered them the same compassion and dignity she extended to everyone she met. Mary believed that all people deserved respect, and she lived that belief every day through her gentle words, patient guidance, and open heart.

Mary's warmth extended well beyond her work. She loved crafts and other artistic endeavors. She also held a lifelong love of dogs, who seemed to sense her nurturing spirit and gravitated naturally to her side.

Those who knew Mary will remember her for her sense of humor, kindness, quiet strength, and belief in the goodness of people. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched-through the family she adored, the individuals she cared for, and the countless small acts of compassion she offered without ever seeking recognition.

Mary leaves behind her sons Robert (and his wife, Katie), Timothy, her sister Linda DeVoogd, niece Jill White, nephews Todd and Bruce DeVoogd, and other beloved family members and friends. She will be profoundly missed and forever loved.

The family invites friends and loved ones to hold her in their hearts and honor her memory in the kindness they show to others-just as she did throughout her life.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather in the Keefe Funeral Home, 2175 Mass Ave, CAMBRIDGE on Tuesday, December 2nd, from 12PM - 1:30PM. Her burial will immediately follow in Cambridge Cemetery, 76 Coolidge Avenue, Cambridge.

Flowers can be ordered from Derby Flowers:

https://derbyfarmflowers.com

Or, in lieu of flowers they can make a donation to her MSPCA Angell page. https://www.justgiving.com/page/rob-vandenabeele-1?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL