Mary (Marrigje Koetsier) Doek passed away peacefully on October 11, 2016 at Bethany Home in Ripon, California at the age of 82.
   Born in Hazerswoude, South Holland, Mary immigrated with her family to the United States in 1954, eventually settling in Southern California.  While visiting friends in Ontario, Canada, she met Arnold Doek, a local farmer.  He was smitten and planned a vacation to California to see her again.  They married in 1964 in Chino, California and moved to Canada to start their life together.  They were blessed with four children and enjoyed the life of a farm family. After years of Canadian winters, they moved the family to California and settled in Escalon. Mary was active in her church and worked various jobs to help support her family.  She took great joy in caring for her family and was especially happy when she was able to be with her grandchildren. She enjoyed playing games with the ladies from church. Mary was passionate about  gardening and took great pride in everything she grew.  She loved to exercise, read, and travel with Arnold.
   Arnold and Mary’s love and dedication to each other was an inspiration to all.  When Mary moved to Bethany Home, Arnold moved to an apartment down the street so he could be with her every day.  Arnold passed away just 10 months prior to Mary.
   She is survived by daughter Cynthia (Michael) Coleman, Marlene (Eric) Miedema, Ron (Debbie) Doek, and Kathleen (Steve) Clark. Her siblings Gerard Koetsier of Tulare, Christine Koetsier of Visalia, and Jake Koetsier of Visalia.
   She is preceded in death by her parents John and Christina Koetsier, her sister Annie Van Vliet and brothers Tony, Henry and John Koetsier.  Also surviving are eight grandchildren, Joshua (Hannah) Miedema, Noah Miedema, Maci Miedema, Brett Doek, Darin Doek, Rilee Clark, Andrew Clark and Mason Clark. Her first great grandchild is due in November.
   Funeral service will be held Monday, October 17, 2016 at 11a.m. at Escalon Christian Reformed Church, 2203 California St., Escalon.  Interment will precede the service at 10 a.m. at Burwood Cemetery, 28320 E. River Rd., Escalon, California. In loving memory, please send donations to the Bethany Home Foundation, 930 W. Main St., Ripon, CA 95366.

Ripon
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Friday, October 14, 2016