Maria Vanderhoeven

Mrs. Maria Vanderhoeven, 93, a resident of Luverne, Alabama, passed away peacefully in her home on Friday, February 19, 2021. A graveside service for Mrs. Vanderhoeven will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, February 23rd, in Luverne Emmaus Cemetery with Father Den Irwin officiating and Turners Funeral Home of Luverne directing.

Mrs. Vanderhoeven was born in Belgium, where she also grew up and got married. In the 1960s, she and her husband decided to move their family to the States and eventually settled in the small town of Luverne, Alabama. Dr. D.V. Vanderhoeven opened his own practice there, while Mrs. Vanderhoeven set about making sure her family always had a warm and loving home. She loved opening that home up to her friends as well and hosted wonderful parties for them quite often. She was a fantastic cook, so her family and friends always dined well in her home. She was also a member of the local Garden and Bridge Clubs. She enjoyed playing bridge with her friends, and her yard was the pride and joy of her home. She also devoted a large amount of her time to tending to her beautiful garden. Above all, she was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose family meant everything to her. Her home was always open to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. At least 2 or 3 grandchildren could always be found at her home when school was out, and she treated any friends they brought with them like family too. Mrs. Vanderhoeven had a long, joy-filled life, and her family is grateful for so many years to make cherished memories together.

Mrs. Vanderhoeven was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. D.V. Vanderhoeven; their grandson, Trent Colquett; parents, Joseph & Maria Bertha Nicolai Weytjens; and four siblings. She is survived by five children, Myriam (Alvin) Farrar, Lisy (Terry) More, Anneke (Randall) Parker, Jan (Eleni) Vanderhoeven, and Piet (Sherryl) Vanderhoeven; sixteen grandchildren, Andy Farrar, Vann Farrar, Walter Farrar, Mieka Sipper, Monica Compton, Matthew Shirley, Todd Colquett, Tony Colquett, Travis Colquett, Terry Lynn Colquett, Caleb Vanderhoeven, Sophie Vanderhoeven, Stephen Whitehead, Brian Whitehead, Costa Whitehead, and Bryan Parker; nineteen great-grandchildren, and dear friends, Coach Sport, Dr. Walker, Helen Williams, Yvonne Hughes, Jo Anne Gibson, Anna Shupless, and Allen & Lesa Sexton.

Active pallbearers will be Stephen Whitehead, Walter Farrar, Todd Colquett, Caleb Vanderhoeven Matthew Shirley, Tony Colquett, Brian Whitehead, and Tristan Jordan.

The family requests that memorial donations be made to Animal Tails Rescue, 408 Lee Street, Luverne, Alabama 36049.