GRUIS – Maria (née Van der Brug)

You were a lovely person god bless granny

Grandma,
I will always remember your gorgeous smile, your cheeky laugh and the love you have for your family.
A beautiful soul with the warmest of hearts, you truly are an Angel.
I love you soo much Grandma and you will be remembered always.
Love Nyette, Brodie & Oliver xox

Good Bye Grandma Faraway, we will treasure the lovely memories. Your cheeky smile and the twinkle in your eye. You liked to have a laugh. You will be dearly missed, may you rest peacefully and may you watch over us all. We will keep you very close to our hearts.
Love always, Michael, Julie and Elesha

Love you lots Gran. We will all miss you dearly, but we will remember you always. We are blessed to have you in our lives. Rest now, and your warmth will keep being felt in our memories forever.

I was introduced to Maria in 1972 when Gala, Marietje Sundra and a few friends squashed into her Beetle VW and she took us to her home for lunch. What followed were years of lunchtimes and visits where she made lunch for all of us and then drove us back to school, all inside one hour. Amazing! She was always welcoming, even when dropped in on a Xmas Day! What struck me most about Marie when I met her, was her beautiful smile and laugh. It lit up her face and the room, and she smiled often. Her personality, her passionate opinions on everything, and her love and dedication to her children and their friends was all encompassing. Being in her presence was like receiving a warm embracing hug. She was one of those people who leave such a lovely impression on any who meet her. My condolences to all her family and children and especially to Gala, Marietje , Sundra and David,

Granny,
I can’t believe it’s time to say goodbye! A woman who was stronger than any other but never failed to welcome everyone with gentle kindness. The seamstress for us all from teddy bears to hemming pants, the compassionate mother to many and grandmother to even more. There has never been anyone comparable to you, your love, your smile, your warmth. A truly magnificent person who will be missed dearly.

To my Oma,
May you fly high and be the Angel you are.
I am sad to hear that your gone, even though we did not have a lot of memories, the memories I do have are ones I will always cherish. I remember coming to visit you with Grandma (Bea) when we were little, I remember your Snoopys and how you always gave us biscuits. I remember randomly stopping you at midvalley after almost running into you, you didn’t remember who I was at first, but you still gave me that smile I have always loved. I remember you coming to my 21st birthday, how I am so grateful you and Grandma could be there and last, I have the memories and photos of you meeting Noah, your Great, Great grandson. Even though you didn’t know who we were, that smile you gave him made me cry. It was the smile from my childhood, that warm, welcoming, loving and cheeky smile.
You have some very important people that have been waiting for you up there. Please say Hello to My Dad and My Grandma and enjoy eternity with them.
Love always, Sarah-Jane, Brandon, Noah and Aaliyah.

I remember Tante Marie as a cheerful, lighthearted person who loved conversing with those around her.
My parents, Catrien and Jan (sister and brother-in-law) always enjoyed their visits with her when they stayed with her.
Tante marie came to NZ as well a few times to stay with Mum and Dad.
30 yrs ago, I stayed in Australia with her for nearly 3 wks.
Tante Marie had a lovely, bright personality.

My condolences to all the family.

Lyn Teece (Lineke)

Dear Maria, I was sad to hear of your passing. Maria you were a beautiful lady. We moved to Savige st 47 years ago you were our neighbor and welcomed us we lived there for 20 years then you moved away. Then it was mums turn to move out and she knocked back so many places then she had a look at a unit on Princes drive and she loved it so she moved in then a week later we realized you lived next door. So it was meant to be . Now you guys are neighbors once more. Say hello to mum for me . I will cherish the beautiful memories I have over the 47years like the ones when I was little and you would always give us chocolate or lollies and a drink and I would visit my nana then pop around and see you. You used to get excited even though you didn’t really remember me you where always happy to see me. RIP Maria our lovely neighbors for 47years xx
Love Cindy Laidlaw