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Author: chastain
15

Maria Mercedes Van der KleijPassing: April 1, 2023

Service:

Private Service

Visitation:

No Visitation

Cemetery:

No Burial

MITCHELL – Maria Mercedes Van der Kleij, 66, passed away Saturday, April 1, 2023, at her residence.

Born November 17, 1956, in Barcelona, Spain, she was the daughter of Cristóbal and Roser Marí (Miralles) Quilis Vaquer.  Maria married Robert Van der Kleij on May 31, 1976 and he survives.

Maria worked in shops in Spain and retired from Indiana University as a cook.  Maria’s greatest joy was being a mother and grandmother.  She loved cooking, crafting, gardening, and traveling.  Maria was passionate and fiery; she lived life to the fullest and was not afraid to take chances.

Surviving are her husband, Robert Van der Kleij of Mitchell; children, David Van der Kleij of Mitchell, Mark Van der Kleij of Morton, Illinois, Desiree (Jay) Van der Kleij of Springville, and Rosana (Brant) Smith of Greenwood; grandchildren, Claire, Finn, Juliet, and Vivian; and siblings, Gloria and Margarida of Barcelona, Spain.

Her parents and brother, Carles, preceded her in death.

Cremation has been chosen with a private Celebration of Life.

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15 Guest Comments

  1. Guest: Matthew Stone | Greenwood, IN
    Date: April 7, 2023
    Desiree So sorry to here of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
  2. Guest: Deborah Pittman | Morton, IL
    Date: April 6, 2023
    Robert, Mark, David, Desiree and Rosanna, our hearts are broken with you at this time of loss. Maria was a very special lady to us and she will forever be in our hearts. We were so blessed to have been able to meet Maria and welcomed into her home as family. We always enjoyed her visits to Morton and were so happy to have been able to spend time with her. She loved fully, lived exuberantly and was always a pleasure to be with. All our love, Chuck and Deb Pittman
  3. Guest: Maria Dolores Carballo Elliott | Terre Haute, IN
    Date: April 6, 2023
    Dearest Robert, Rosanna, David, Mark, Desiree and family, Knowing María “Mercedes”was receiving the greatest gift of love for all her children/family, selfless, determination and devotion for whom/what she loved and I would forever be grateful for the day a very sweet 10 year old, started a conversation while looking at my USA Swimming ID and told me her mom’s name was María like mine and our families were also from Spain…THANK YOU Rosanna for insisting that we should meet! Your mom’s spirit was in all her children specially in you, and it will continue to guide you. Love, hugs and prayers for you all.
  4. Guest: Shannon A Barnett | BLOOMINGTON
    Date: April 5, 2023
    David, I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful mother. I would have loved to have met her. If you need anything at all please don't hesitate to stop by the Local 440 Benefits office. Condolences Shannon Barnett and family
  5. Guest: Lee & Jolie Wright | Bedford, IN
    Date: April 5, 2023
    Robert and Rosana, We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts. Love, Lee & Jolie Wright
  6. Guest: Sean Hanna | Austin, TX
    Date: April 4, 2023
    My heart breaks with yours and I am so sorry for your and your family’s loss, Des.
  7. Guest: Erin McGann | York, ME
    Date: April 4, 2023
    I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom was so wonderful and I know she is so proud of you. My heart is with you.
  8. Guest: Joni Grissom | Mitchell In
    Date: April 4, 2023
    So sorry to learn of Maria's passing I'm glad I had the pleasure to work with her briefly at Spring Mill Inn in the kitchen she was a awesome cook and an awesome vibrant n positive influence on those around her. Fly High sweet lady you will be missed . Sending lots of prayers to your family and your friends 🙏
  9. Guest: Patricia | Zoetermeer
    Date: April 4, 2023
    Lieve Merce Niet te geloven. Zo een mooie lieve sterke vrouw!! Wat heb je veel voor mij betekend als kind. Ik kon altijd bij je terecht en je hebt mij veel gesteund en plezier gegeven. Doe mijn pa de groetjes daarboven. Rust zacht. Love you. Patricia
  10. Guest: Tish Di Leo | San Antonio, Texas
    Date: April 4, 2023
    I did not have the pleasure of meeting Maria but I did have the pleasure of knowing Desiree, Jay, and their children. Thank you for the gift of being an amazing mother and grandmother. It has been an honor knowing you from afar. Rest in Peace Sweet Lady
  11. Guest: Amy Dyken & Bert Gilbert | Solsberry indiana
    Date: April 4, 2023
    I am so sorry to hear of Maria‘s passing. I have many happy memories of spending hours sitting with her in the bleachers, watching Rosanna and Keilor swim. I will always remember her as a very sweet, kind, funny, and beautiful woman. The world will miss her spirit. Sending condolences to her family all who loved her.
  12. Guest: Familie Henskens-Reijman, Rijswijk, the Netherlands | Rijswijk, the Netherlands
    Date: April 4, 2023
    Beste familie Van der Kleij, wij betuigen hierbij ons medeleven bij het overlijden van Mercedes, jullie lieve echtgenote, moeder en oma. Wij wensen jullie heel veel sterkte en hopen dat de vele liefdevolle en mooie herinneringen jullie mogen troosten. Ton en Joke Henskens=Reijman, Jasmijn, Rozemarijn en Valentijn.
  13. Guest: Carmen | Nederland
    Date: April 4, 2023
    He perdido a una amiga.Pero no su recuerdo
  14. Guest: April Garner | Morton, IL
    Date: April 4, 2023
    I am so sorry to her family and to hear of Maria's passing. Thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
  15. Guest: Rhona and Tony Earl | Williams, IN
    Date: April 4, 2023
    We are so sorry to hear this Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.

Phone: (812) 849-2600 | Fax: (812) 849-3323 | email: services@chastainfuneralhome.com

Chastain Funeral Home & Cremation Center