Mary Vander Kooy Obituary

Mary Vander Kooy, 84, of Meridian, Idaho passed away peacefully at Brookdale Assisted Living in Boise on September 10, 2024 of natural causes.

Mary was born in Middenmeer, Netherlands on October 31, 1939. Mary and her husband Simon owned and operated a dairy farm in the Meridian/Kuna area for 34 years. Mary, and husband Simon, grew up in the Netherlands until moving to Brazil in 1963. In November 1965, they immigrated to the United States. They lived briefly in Chino, California before moving to Southern Idaho in 1970. In 1974, they took the leap together to purchase a small farm located in Meridian. Mary stayed home to raise their daughter, Ingrid and sons, Ralph, Ronald, and Brian on the family farm. After Simon, her husband of 44 years passed in 2009, Mary went on to participate in various seniors groups to remain active and mastered using the computer to manage the household finances. She enjoyed knitting, sewing and playing the piano. After a stroke in early 2022, Mary settled into life at Brookdale assisted living in Boise, Idaho. She enjoyed making friends and sharing stories as she often passed her time sitting by the entrance fireplace to observe who was coming and going.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Simon; her parents, Roelf and Jantje Ridder; brothers, Evert Ridder, Jan Ridder, and Roel Ridder and sisters, Cornelia 'Corrie' Groenenberg and Alice DeVries. She is survived by her children, Ingrid (Shannon) Coats, Ralph VanderKooy, Ronald (Emily) Vanderkooy and Brian (Amber) Vanderkooy, 15 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren.

The family will receive guests at the Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel from 6 – 8 PM on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. A Graveside Service will be held on Wednesday, Sept 18, 2024 at the Kuna Cemetery at 10:30 AM; officiated by Pastor Ben Day from Tenmile Community Church.