We are sad to announce the passing of our dear mother, Maria (Wiebe) Van Achte of Lynden. Maria passed on away on Oct. 2, 2023 surrounded by her loved ones after living a long and fruitful life. She was 91 years old. She was the longest living member of her maiden Wiebe family. May the Lord bless her strong will and loving nature. She was very loved and will be missed terribly, however her soul is now with her husband George, son Randy, son-in-law Len La Sac, grandson Markus and siblings Helen, Pete, Betty, Ike and Elma. May her soul be comforted.
Maria is survived by her daughter Penny La Sac, son Markus Van Achte (Lesli), Grandchildren Joseph La Sac, Martine Frey (Seth), Luke Cook, Benjamin Van Achte, Conor Van Achte, Kelly Van Achte, great grandchildren Pierce Frey, Tessie Frey and Lily Frey and siblings Tina, Bill, Ray, Ron and Evelyn.
Maria was born Jan. 21, 1932, in the Mennonite Village of Schanzenfeld in Manitoba, Canada to Peter J. Wiebe born January 1, 1902, in Morden Manitoba and Mary Dyck born Jan. 30, 1907, in Myrtle Manitoba. Maria was the fourth oldest of 11 children born to Peter and Mary. Her first language was a low German dialect called Plautdietsch. Her father drove the siblings to school on a horse and buggy.
Maria graduated from high school and moved to the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba where she worked and put herself through nursing school, graduating in 1952. In 1952, she met George Van Achte at a dance, they were married within the year, Dec. 28, 1953. After the birth of their first child Randy in 1955 they moved to British Columbia Canada, where Penny and Markus were born. In 1961, Maria and George moved to Bremerton in Washington state. In 1963, George and Maria moved to Lynden where Maria could be close to her older sisters Helen and Betty in British Columbia. While in Lynden, our wonderful mother worked as a nurse at St. Joseph’s Hospital for 20 years, retiring as a manager of Central Supply Services. In Lynden she was a charter member of Church of the Nazarene, now known as Crosspoint Church, a choir member and Sunday school teacher, member of the Lynden Lions Club and Lynden Community Center, a Bluebird and Campfire leader, and volunteer at Lynden Chamber of Commerce.
Maria was so special and loved by her family and community. She was loving, assertive, always willing to help and take care of her grandchildren whenever needed. We will miss her terribly.
Please join us to celebrate her life at the CrossPoint Nazarene Church on Oct. 14, 2023 at 2 p.m. 8686 Vinup Road, Lynden. Maria requested that we have a potluck meal after her celebration of life service as it reminded her of all the potlucks and social events with her large extended family. Please bring your favorite dishes to celebrate our dear mother Maria (Wiebe) Van Achte. Potluck immediately following the celebration of life service at CrossPoint Nazarene Church.
