Mary Ann Van Der Woude

Mary Ann K. Van Der Woude, 87, of Lebanon, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at St. Andre’s Health Care Center in Biddeford, Maine. Born in Clifton, New Jersey, on May 24, 1937, to James and Marie (Hoeyman) O’Leary, Mary Ann was raised in Paterson, New Jersey, and graduated from East Side High School in 1955. Mary Ann’s life was characterized by kindness, generosity, and a deep devotion to her family and faith. A woman who truly embraced the spirit of giving, she dedicated much of her time to volunteering at various local organizations, including the Sanford Food Pantry, where she made a lasting impact on those around her. A devout Catholic, Mary Ann was an active member of St. Therese of Lisieux Parish and the Ladies of St. Anne. She also cherished her time with the Tuesday Morning Prayer Group, the Order of the Eastern Star, and the Marie Rivera Organization. Known for her outgoing and social nature, Mary Ann had a heart full of love for her friends and family. She was always the first to root for the underdog and had an uncanny ability to make others feel valued and supported. Her love for family and friends was reflected in the many gatherings she hosted, where her culinary skills and warm hospitality were always on display. Mary Ann had a special place in her heart for her beloved dogs, especially her beagles—Daisy Mae, Bingo, Bitsy, and Lady Jane—as well as her lab, Pepper. Mary Ann was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Raymond Van Der Woude in 2018. Her legacy of love and compassion will live on through her daughters, Carole Ann Chadwick and her husband Kenneth, and Patricia Ann Van Der Woude. She is also survived by her three grandchildren, Caitlin Ryan and her husband Kenneth, Michael Chadwick and his wife Dana, and Jacob Chadwick and his wife Chloe. Mary Ann was blessed with five great-grandchildren, Harper Rose Chadwick, Piper Quinn Chadwick, Finley Mae Chadwick, Benjamin Kenneth Ryan, and River James Chadwick, each of whom she adored and who brought her great joy in her later years. A visitation will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 PM on Friday, March 7th, at the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Saturday, March 8th, at St. Therese of Lisieux Parish, Holy Family Church, North Avenue, Sanford. Interment will take place in the spring at St. Ignatius Cemetery in Sanford. Arrangements are under the care of Black Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Sanford-Springvale. Mary Ann’s memory will be cherished by all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched. May she rest in peace.