SALEM - Suzanna van Lith, 85, went to her Lord, Aug 12, 2010. She was born Suzanna Maria Elizabeth Bruggeman, the youngest of six children, on June 20, 1925 in Wageningen, Holland. She was preceded in death by her husband, all her siblings and parents. Suzanna was 15 when WWII broke out, changing her world forever, taking her youth, her ambitions and her dream to design fashions. Through it all she held on to her faith and she chose to love in life. She married Dominicus Marinus van Lith, October of 1946. Suzanna gave birth to five daughters in Holland, Ineke, Gerrie, Suuska, Treesje and Marja. The family immigrated to America in 1956 where Dominic, their son, was born. Dom and Suzanna van Lith left the comfort of century's old family ties and traditions to begin a new life in a new land. Suzanna was an attractive proper lady. She enjoyed good pastries especially with a fine cup of coffee. Mid-afternoon she always enjoyed a cup of tea with a piece of good chocolate. She was a person of routines and enjoyed interesting people. She had a natural talent as a painter, using her love of flowers and natural beauty as her inspiration. She was a faithful member of the Catholic Church and had a deep personal faith in God. She was always growing and living in her faith. Her family was of utmost importance to her. Suzanna loved to travel. The Oregon Coast was a special place to spend long weekends. She and Dom enjoyed trips back to Holland on a number of occasions. Countless cruise ships took them to many wonderful lands and created many opportunities to feast, dance and celebrate life. Left behind are daughters, Ineke and Lloyd Barnes of Silverton, Ore., Gert Helvey and Larry Black of Sweet Home, Ore., Sue and Mike Remington of Duvall, Wash., Traci and Jim Tuor of Salem, Ore., Marja and Mark Henderson of Pasco, Wash., and son, Dom and Lori van Lith of Salem, Ore. She was blessed with 17 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. What began as an adventure for two ended with a family of 71 in America. She was loved and remembered by many nieces and nephews who still live in Holland. Suzanna made and kept friends for a lifetime. A rosary will be said at 7 p.m., Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at Mt. Angel Towers. The Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, August 19, 2010 at Queen of Peace Church in Salem, followed by a reception. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the staff of the Health Center at Mt. Angel Towers. For those so moved, the family suggests charitable contributions to Willamette Valley Hospice whose staff have been so helpful to Suzanna and her family during her final months. Arrangements by Howell-Edwards-Doerksen Funeral Home.
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