Maria Hellendoorn, 51, of Newnan, GA died on May 27, 2011.
She married Bernard in his native Holland in 1992. They moved to Georgia in 1997 and together they raised the three joys of her life, Brittany (17), Brent (15), and Bradley (12).
Born in Waukegan, IL and raised in Antioch, IL, Maria moved to Florida in 1976. From 1989-1995 Maria touched the lives of thousands through her missions work with “Youth with A Mission” and “Operation Mobilization.” Her travels onboard MV Doulos took her around the world. Her life with Bernard was an adventure, with their children being the true highlight. Her passion, love, and energy brought joy to her family and many friends. Her zest for life and faith in Jesus Christ was inspiring. She loved to travel, read the Word of God, cherished time with loved ones, and was beautiful inside and out.
Pre-deceased by her father, James V. Grippando, Maria is also survived by her mother, Dr. Gloria Grippando; her in-laws Mars and Ria Hellendoorn; her four siblings, Roberta (James) Hall, Susan (Cliff) Brown, James (Tiffany) and John Grippando; nine nieces and nephews (Kimberley, Kristina and James; Marisa; Dori and Heather; Kaylee, Ryan and Ainsley) and six great-nieces and -nephews (Mason, Travis, Holley, Tyler, Jimmy and Jocelyn).
Visitation will be held June 2 at Mowell Funeral Home in Peachtree City from 5-8 p.m. The funeral service will be Friday, June 3, at 11:00 a.m. at New Hope Baptist Church in Fayetteville. Burial will follow at Westminster Memorial Gardens, Peachtree City, with continued celebration of Maria’s life at the reception at New Hope Baptist Church.
