Maria Matter

Maria Matter went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, July 21 at the age of 95.

Maria was born in Naaldwijk in the province of South Holland on Sept. 18, 1926, to Abraham and Magdalena van der Ende-Steenwijk. She was so much loved youngest sister of 15 living siblings, with nine brothers and five sisters. In the latter half of August 1949, she immigrated to Lynden. 

On June 6, 1957, she married Martin Matter. They were married 53 years when Martin passed away Oct. 26, 2010.

Maria is survived by step-son Albert Matter (Patti) and granddaughter Heidi Pantzar (Keven); grandson Mike Kortlever and five great-granddaughters; grandson Tom Kortlever; granddaughter April Miles (Randy) and great grandsons Billy and Shelby; and many nieces and nephews in Canada, the Netherlands, and the USA. 

Maria worked for Lynden Dairy at first and later spent many years managing the office at Whatcom Builders. She and Martin were longtime members of First Reformed Church in Lynden. More recently Maria found a church home at Second Christian Reformed Church. 

Family was very important to Maria. She was a neat and tidy housekeeper. Maria and Martin enjoyed hunting, horseback riding, and fishing together; and camping and RV traveling with friends.

The graveside service was held at Greenwood Cemetery on Tuesday, July 26 as was a coffee hour at Second Christian Reformed Church, Lynden.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.