Obituary of Mary Johanna Peeters

It is with heavy hearts the family of Mary Peeters (de Koning) announces her peaceful passing on August 18, 2023 at Chartwell Long Term Care Residence in Parkhill at the age of 84. Beloved wife of the late Martin Peeters (June 11, 2023) of 62 years. Loving mother of Martin & Linda Peeters of Kerwood, Joanne & Joe Van Bree of Arkona, Jenny & Andy Kustermans of Parkhill and John & Pam of Kerwood. Cherished Oma of Brent, Derek Peeters, David & Christine Van Bree, Cindy & Mike Read, Michael & Brittany Van Bree, Amanda & Tyler Ellis, Michelle Kustermans & Dan Mudlic, Kevin & Claire Kustermans and Sarah Kustermans. Adored Great Oma of Jacob, Matthew & Sarah Van Bree, Carter, Zachary & Brooks Read, Nathan, Oliva & Hallie Van Bree, Addison & Kaylee Ellis, Ariana Mudlic and Donny Kustermans. Cherished sister & sister-In-law of the de Koning & Peeters families.

Mary was born in Rijsbergen Holland on April 26, 1939. She found the love of her life just down the street from her home farm. Mary and Martin began their married life together on April 18, 1961 and they decided to move to Canada shortly thereafter on their honeymoon. They started out in Grand Bend working in the vegetable fields and then moved to the dairy farm on the Kerwood Road. Over the next few years along came the children, Martin Jr, Joanne, Jenny and John. Mary also worked hard on the farm, milking the cows and planting the crops with Martin, along with many hours in her beautiful flower gardens and vegetable garden. Mary had a lot of pride, she was very particular about everything, especially a sparkling clean house. She loved working in her greenhouse in her spare time, her beautiful flower gardens were always in tip top shape. Mary enjoyed knitting and crocheting in her spare time. In 1995, John and Pam took over the dairy farm and Mary and Martin retired in Strathroy on Riverview Drive. Mary and Martin enjoyed their retirement life in Strathroy, Mary keeping busy in her flower gardens, riding their bikes and playing cards with friends. Mary also enjoyed her ladies golfing days and spending time with their 9 grandchildren. In March of 2020 Mary and Martin decided to downsize and sell their beautiful home and move to Bear Creek Estates for easy, comfortable living. Mary and Martin always enjoyed their great grandchildren coming over to visit them and they took great joy in watching the kids play. 

In March of this year, Mary’s family had to make the difficult decision to move her to the nursing home in Parkhill because of her dementia. Before he passed away, Martin would lovingly visit her several times per week as they adjusted to living separately. As Mary’s dementia was declining every week, her family all visited her often showing her pictures of beautiful flowers and her grandchildren and great grandchildren and that would make her smile. With Martin passing away just recently, it gives us great peace knowing they’re together again. The family would also like to express their sincere gratitude for the exceptional care Mary received at Chartwell Long Term Care Residence in Parkhill. 

A Visitation will take place on Tuesday, August 22, 2023 from 6:00-8:00pm at DENNING’S OF STRATHROY. A Mass of Christian burial will take place the following day on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at 1:00pm at All Saints Roman Catholic Church. Private interment to follow at All Saints Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy donations to the Alzheimer's Society and Diabetes Canada would be appreciated. Online condolences and donations may be made at www.strathroyfuneralhome.com