Obituary of Mary Margaret van Welzen

On October 30, 2023, Mary Margaret van Welzen’s spirit was released to be free of all her Earthly troubles. We invite all of those who knew the warmth of Mary’s soul to join us for a Celebration of Life Service on November 11, 2023 at 3:00 PM at Adams-Green Funeral Home in Herndon, Virginia (721 Elden Street, Herndon, VA). The service will be followed by a reception at the Sheraton Reston (11810 Sunrise Valley Dr. Reston, VA) at 4 PM. In honor of the colorful and bright personality with which Mary carried herself, we invite guests to wear warm colors and flowers to the ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation (www.komen.org) in Mary’s honor.        

Mary was born in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada on March 28, 1944 to Clayton and Teresa Heit, playing the role of little sister to her brother Don. 

She spent her life bringing joy to everyone she met, in ways both big and small, and giving of herself to make the world around her a little brighter. After attending St. Mary’s High School in Ontario, she attended and graduated from Teacher’s college in 1964, spending three years working with Grades 1 and 2 of elementary school. In the 1990’s, she worked as the annuals manager at Betty’s Azalea Ranch in Fairfax, Virginia, educating customers on flowers and how to make their gardens more beautiful. 

In between those jobs, Mary excelled at her most important career– that of mother to her four children: Susan, Jim, Bryan, and Melissa. Being a mother allowed her to master so many specialized skills and talents, from sewing Halloween costumes to making homemade birthday cakes, from organizing events as “room mom” to working swim meets in the summers, from chauffeuring from one activity to the next to gift purchaser for everyone around. Mary played every role with a wide smile, a twinkle in her very blue eyes, and a vibrant flair for fashion. She was fearless to speak to anyone around her and made new friends wherever she went. 

During her 79 years, she also held the titles of “CEO”, “CFO”, and Director of All Affairs of the “Van Welzen Moving Company”, moving seven times throughout Canada and the United States, between the years of 1968 and 1992. As such, she coordinated the packing of boxes, the decorating of new homes, and helping her four children acclimate and adapt to new situations with ease. Mary spent 46 years married to Hans van Welzen of Scheveningen, Netherlands, traveling and cruising around the world. The two have now been reunited in heaven after ten years apart.

Throughout her lifetime, Mary brought a ray of sunshine and the sweet melody of music to those around her, providing comfort and leaving behind a trail of good memories. She was always ready with a gift, a dessert, or just a mischievous grin.  

Mary is survived by her four children, twelve grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, her brother and his family, and a multitude of friends scattered across multiple countries. Although her body has gone, her spirit has been deeply planted in the hearts of those she nurtured and will continue to be passed from generation to generation for eternity. 

For those who are unable to attend the funeral service, please access the link below for a Livestream

 <http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/94240>