Maria Maris Van Blaaderen

Maria Rose Maris Van Blaaderen was born August 6, 1927 in Holland to Karolina Willempje Maris de Jonge and Cornelis Maris. After 90+ years with us, she passed away peacefully at the “Nest” of natural causes on June 18, 2018. Maria's Guardian wants to thank all of the wonderful caregivers at Tender Nest, Stillwater Hospice, and the extras (Marci and Cynthia) for a job well done. Maria was in the hands of loving and caring people in her final journey. We will all miss her! Back in Holland, Maria is survived by her two sisters, her sister-in-law and many nieces & nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Andreas, her parents, and her brother. Maria grew up in Holland during World War II. As a child and while a University student, she experienced a marked understanding of how precarious life could be. She would often reflect on how family and friends took care of one another and celebrated whatever they could to make an event out of life. In the numerous photos documenting her life, Maria was often laughing and relaxing by a field, a river, or a beach with a tiny metal trailer nearby. Billings Montana became her home in 1967 when her husband was hired as a Sociology professor at Eastern Montana College (now MSU B). Legend has it that she and Andreas made their decision to marry so they could immigrate to the United States together. Maria did not work, however, she was educated as an attorney and would communicate with tone and gestures that represented authority. Her life with Andreas was full and interesting. As a couple, they contributed to the Billings community by joining and leading a number of cultural activities that included creative writing, poetry, and music. Maria enjoyed writing poetry and was published in several journals. She is listed with the Poets and Writers Publication. Ben Steele and his wife, Shirley, were friends of the Van Blaaderens. A portrait of Andreas drawn by Ben Steele hung in Maria's room at the “Nest”. Maria's humorous appreciation of others and her spirit made an impression on everyone. Her positiveness and love of nature were evident in her everyday pursuits. When saying good bye and planning for the next get together, Maria would say, “We will see, we will see”. A poetic reminder of how no one really knows what is next. An open house to celebrate Maria's life is planned for July 10, 2018 at Tender Nest from 1:30pm to 4:00pm in Yellowstone Manor (4040 Parkhill Drive). In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Yellowstone Art Museum, The MSU-B foundation, or the Arts of your choice.