Mary Hoekstra Obituary

11 years doesnt make it easier. One just has to get used to living their life differently

I really miss my grandma more than anyone could even imagine. i dont know what i will do without her. she was always just a phone call away for WHATEVER i needed. if it was a babysitter, advice,or just our daily calls she was there...except when someone else got her on the phone and her line was busy for an hour or two. but thats the kind of person she was...there for EVERYONE. my uncle (her brother) always said that if a homeless bum needed somewhere to sleep all he had to do was lay outside marys window and she would give him a meal and a bed. its true. she did that..well not the bed but she fed a homeless guy and took care of his dog for months. i guess thats where i get my need to try to help people all the time. gram, i miss you so much,a part of my life is gone and it will never be the same. i dont believe that time heals all wounds, the just become eaiser to deal with...

My Mom, My trusted friend. I miss talking to you on the phone every morning. Being able to pick up the phone, talk about anything that might have gone wrong throughout the day with sound advice.You have made me the strong person I am today. You taught me to never crumble and stand tall.I promised I would never let you suffer, sleep in peace. Love you always & forever.
Nancy

To all of her dear Chicago family, and all of the loved ones here in Arizona, my thoughts and prayers are with you in this great loss. No matter how long we have them it always seems too soon to let them go. Mary was my dear Aunt, and I will miss her too. Her gentle smile, and the sparkle in her eye will be my lasting memory of her. I will remember also the kindness she showed to everyone she met all her life long. She always opened her door, set another place at her table, and helped in any way she could. She surely is in the company of the angels and all of her family who have gone before her! May she rest in God's eternal peace and may His perpetual light shine apon her.
Lynn Rieckhoff Lindell

Our Loved Great Grandma WE LOVE YOU AND WILL MISS YOU

Mary was a dear friend to my mom, Jean and when needed, like a second mother to us. Mary was a most caring and ambitious woman who greatly influenced my life. She is now resting in the loving hug of Jesus. Mary is in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers forever.

Mother you will always live in our Hearts & prayers

My Grandmother, My friend, One of the most influential people in my life. You are missed, but never forgotten. Always Loved and Forever Admired

My Grandmother, My Friend, One of the most influential people in my life - Forever in my heart and never to be forgotten.

Heaven has received our most precious angel.

Cathy

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
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