Maria Devolder
Maria Devolder, 81, a resident of North Fort Myers, FL since 1988, passed away Thursday, January 18, 2018 in Fort Myers, FL. She was born May 9, 1936 in Kappelen, Belgium to Eugene and Josephna Schoepen, now deceased.
Maria was abeautiful and lovely woman, her favorite place to be was at home with her husband of 62 years and to have her family visit. She graduated high school from Sint Mariaburg, Belgium. She moved with her husband Gerard Devolder to the Belgium Congo, it was one of her favorite places to live. In 1962 Maria and Gerard moved to the USA. Maria’s first job in California was with Van De Champ Baker. She dressed up as a Dutch Girl and gave out samples of bakery goods. When Maria and family moved to Oakdale, CA they lived on a mini ranch on Orange Blossom Road. She loved animals, she had a pinto horse named Stormy she would ride on occasion. Maria was an excellent First Mate and an avid sailor, joining her husband to sail their beautiful boat from Dana Point, CA to Marathon, FL through the Panama Canal. Maria worked for Hawks Resort as a salad chef for many years while living on their boat in Coco Plum. Maria also worked for Boca Grande Club as a salad chef and met many prominent and famous people, she had a lot of fun and loved working there. Her last place of residence was North Fort Myers, FL. She loved sitting on her patio and watching the boats come in and out of the small harbor and the people and friends walking by. Maria will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years, Gerard Devolder of North Fort Myers; two loving children, Sonia Fernandez (Steve) of CA and Marc Devolder (Adele) of CA; nine grandchildren; as well as four great grandchildren.
No formal services are planned at this time.
Monetary Contributions in Memory of Maria Devolder are suggested to the Devolder family c/o Mullins Memorial, 1056 NE 7th Terr., Cape Coral, FL 33909. The contributions will assist with fulfilling Maria’s wishes to have her ashes spread in Belgium.
Friends are invited to send condolences via the on-line guest book which can be found at www.MullinsMemorial.com.
Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.
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