she designed, in her 70th year, after a two-year battle with Glioblastoma. She leaves behind her ‘Sweetie,” husband Arnie, of 48 years of marriage. She was a loving and fiercely attentive mother to Erin (Jay), Ryan, and Casey (Lori), and an energetic Nanu to Zaaven, Tyse, Meike, Jax, Sawyer (and his mom Marie), Lennix, and Bow. Cherished daughter-in-law of Rinze Muizelaar. Yen, as she was affectionately named by her little sister, will be deeply missed by her siblings, John (Lorna), Peggy (Ken), Audrey (Jack), Bert (Diane) and cousin Ko. Dear sister-in-law to Paul (Sonia), Ed (Katrin), George (Marilyn), and Rich (Liz). Aunt Yen’s humongous heart will be forever cherished by her ‘other-children’, her many nieces, nephews and their children. Missed by her aunts, uncles, and cousins in Canada, Spain, and the Netherlands. She is predeceased by her parents, Aeilko and Maria (nee Petri) de Witt; her mother-in-law, Ann Muizelaar; her beloved Uncle John and Oom Wim. Mary-Ann will be missed by her many close friends and neighbours, and will be affectionately remembered by anyone who had the pleasure of working with her. Yen loved building relationships, especially with her 7 grandchildren, her gardens, daily devotions, using her own chainsaw, building fences, having Hero Parties, writing speeches, puppetry, dancing and all her animals. Yen loved to ‘think outside the box.’ Whatever she set her mind to was crafted with creativity and elegance, from fashion and metalwork to carpentry and furniture refinishing, to pencil drawing and oil or acrylic painting. No artwork was unachievable, and she tackled the biggest ideas, masterfully painting a majestic ocean mural that was over 24 feet long. Most of all, Mary-Ann loves her Creator, and we are certain she is asking questions, “talking-up-a-storm” with her family, walking arm in arm with her Uncle John and Annette, and cuddling with Deven. ‘Tootle-loo’ and see you in ‘a twinkle of an eye.’
Visitation – Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, 10 a.m – 11:00 a.m, with Memorial Service 11:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m, 2301 Trulls Rd. Free Methodist Church, Courtice, ON (link to map at bottom of obit)
