Maria Longina Van Dongen (nee Jacobs), of Mount Forest, passed away peacefully at Strathcona Long Term Care, Mount Forest, on Sunday, March 8th, 2020 in her 99th year. Beloved wife of the late Adrian Van Dongen. Loving mother of Marianne Edwards (Randy); Cora McGee (Dan); Tony: Frank (Sandy); Lucy Ferguson (Jack); Marlene Evans (Ralph); Peter (Janice) and mother-in-law of Cherryl. Beloved Oma of Anna (Ed); Laura (Nathan); Barry; Rita (Yehuda); Ina (Alex); Irene; Ben (Brenda); James (Pearl); Ian (Michelle); Claire; Jorjia; Vicki (Brad); Adrian and Joey. Great Oma of 14. Survived by brother Kees (Ria); sisters-in-law Greta and Riet and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her son John; granddaughter Sarah; and son-in-law Gary. Mary was born in Rijen, North Brabant, Holland. She was the third eldest of nine children. Mary and Adrian immigrated to Canada in 1951, where they followed their dream of becoming dairy farmers, first near Chatham and in 1965 they settled in Kenilworth. They made life long friends over the years, that became like family. Friends may call at the England Funeral Home, Mount Forest on Friday, March 13th from 2:00 – 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00pm where a vigil prayer service will be held at 1:45pm. A mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Mary of the Purification Catholic Church, 230 Queen Street East, Mount Forest on Saturday at 11:00am with visitation being held at the church prior to the service from 10 – 10:45am. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery. In memory of Mary, donations can be made to the Louise Marshall Hospital Foundation or St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
