Marie Terlouw, 93, of Pella and formerly of Sully, went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, Apr. 14, 2015, at the Hospice of Pella Comfort House. Funeral services were held Saturday, Apr. 18, at Sully Christian Reformed Church. Interment was in Sully Cemetery. For those desiring, memorials may be given for The Gideons International or Hospice of Pella Comfort House.
Marie Van Norden was born Feb. 18, 1922, in Jasper County northeast of Sully. She was the tenth of 12 children born to Gerrit and Cornelia (Van Dyk) Van Norden. Marie attended the Taylor #4 Country Grade School east of Sully through the eighth grade. She wanted to continue school, but her large family needed her help on the farm. Marie was an exceptional student and later earned her G.E.D.
On Nov. 26, 1942, she was united in marriage with Henry Charles Terlouw, a son of John O. and Phoebe (Renaud) Terlouw in Junction City, KS. Henry served in the U.S. Army. They lived in Fort Riley, KS; Fort Hood, TX; and Camp Livingston, LA. Their first child, Harlan Charles, was born six weeks before Henry was activated to the European theater. After his discharge in 1945, Marie and Henry made their home in Sully. They were blessed with more children. Daughter Phyllis Jean was born, and the family soon moved to Henry’s parents’ family farm near the Jasper/Mahaska County line five miles south of Sully. It was while living there they were blessed with two more sons, Randall Mark and Timothy Jon. In 1969, Henry and Marie built their home on the family farmstead where they farmed until 1996.
Marie was diligent in attending to the needs of her family and gave selflessly of herself.
Henry passed away on June 11, 2008, at the age of 89. After his death, Marie made her home at Vriendschap Village in Pella. She was privileged to live there along with her two sisters Emma and Sophia. They enjoyed each other’s company. Marie spread her wings while living independently. She became very outgoing and sought to serve the needs of others during these years at Vriendschap Village. She enjoyed crocheting her entire life and particularly enjoyed making sleeping pads for the homeless. Her family will cherish the afghans, scarves, and doilies she made for them. Marie also made many red scarves for WomenHeart, a program for women with heart disease. She also enjoyed gardening, canning, and puzzles, and appreciated good music.
Those who will cherish her memory include her four children and their spouses, 11 grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren: Harlan C. (Donna) Terlouw of Pella, Phyllis J. (Mel) Vos of Ankeny, Randall M. (Marilyn) Terlouw of Newton, and Timothy J. (Tamra) Terlouw of Chesterfield, MO. Of her original family, Marie is survived by her two sisters, Emma Rykhoek and Sophia Renaud, both of Pella; sisters-in-law, Barbara Terlouw of Newton and Theda Fopma of Grinnell; and brother-in-law, Louis (Joan) Terlouw of Pella.
Marie was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter-in-law, Sally Rae Terlouw; and her siblings, Effie Pleima, Case Van Norden, Hendrika Struik, Hank Van Norden, Nellie Jansen, Bill Van Norden, Alice Jansen, Jennie Van Sant, and Herman Van Norden, who died in infancy.
Marie was blessed with a true servant's heart and will be remembered for her love of her Lord and for her joyful witness of this love to others.
