Maria Raven Smit

January 24, 2019

1930 - 2019\r\n \r\nOur beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend passed away January 24, 2019.\r\n "Ria" was born September 24, 1930, in Amsterdam, Netherlands to Stefanus Raven and Johanna Paap. She and her family courageously endured the occupation of Holland during the Second World War.\r\n Maria married Peter Joseph Smit on September 24, 1955. They immigrated to the United States in 1956 and settled in Salt Lake City to be near her husband's family. They had no money and spoke little English, yet were determined to provide a better life for their family.\r\n Mom worked hard raising their six children, sewing all of our clothes and making amazing meals out of a pound of hamburger and a sack of potatoes. Our home was a gathering place for the neighborhood and Mom managed to feed everyone who came to visit. Mom was a crossing guard at Bonneville Elementary for more than 30 years and enjoyed getting to know each of the children that she guided to safety. Devoted to her Catholic faith, Mom taught CCD and was a longtime member of her parish choir.\r\n Dad died in 1986, which was a huge loss to all. Mom carried on, becoming an avid gardener, learning to handle small projects around the house, cheering her beloved Utah Jazz and reading a good book. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom she cherished.\r\n Maria is survived by her six children, Jerry (Barbara), Therese (Shashi), Peter (Lori), Michael (Hector), Marissa (Thant) and Stephany (Richard) as well as her sister Marty. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Mom is preceded in death by her adored husband Peter, her beloved grandson Nicholas and by her brothers Nico, Stef and Theo, and sisters Jo and Cissy.\r\n A funeral mass will be celebrated Saturday, February 2, 10:00 am at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 670 South 1100 East. A vigil service will be held Friday, February 1, 7:00 pm at the Neil O'Donnell & Sons Mortuary, 372 East 100 South, where friends may visit 6:00 - 7:00 pm. A Luncheon will follow the Mass Saturday at 12:30 pm.\r\n The family wishes to honor and thank Monika, Beverlee and Joy, and the staff at Silverado Care Center, for their love and care of Mom, with special gratitude to the hospice team. In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations to Alzheimer's Association, 855 East 4800 South, Ste.100, Salt Lake City, Utah 84107\r\n \r\n Al onze liefde, Mama\r\n