LIERMAN, Mary (Verplancke) – Born in 1921 in Veldegem, Belgium, she immigrated to Ontario at the age of two. Mary passed away peacefully on September 1, 2023 at University Hospital, London. Mary was predeceased by her husband Arthur Lierman (1950), son Peter Lierman and his wife Lizette (Spriet), grandson David Lierman, parents Peter and Emma (Tafferein) Verplancke, parents-in-law Maurice and Bertha (De Witt) Lierman, sister Madeleine Lietaer and her husband Florent (Tracy), and sister Angela Heirwegh and her husband Emiel. Predeceasing Mary as well were sister-in-law Mary Jordan (Lierman), brother-in-law Joseph Lierman and his wife Mary (Sobry), sister-in-law Rosie (Lierman) Lefevre and her husband Gaston, sister-in-law Margaret (Lierman) De Cap and her husband Henry (Hank), nephew Ronald Lierman and niece Elsie (Lefevre) Jones.
Loving and missing Mary are her daughter Dianne Van Wijk (Joseph), grandchildren Arthur (Nicole), John (Deborah), Kathy, Caroline (Paul), Christopher (Catherine), Gregory (Jenn), Brendan, great-grandchildren Samantha, MacKenzie, Paul, Jane, Maria, Jadyn, Ben, Carson and Jonathan, as well as her nieces, nephews, friends and acquaintances.
Mary enjoyed attending live theatre with friends. Her culinary feats, hospitality, sense of humour, organizational skills, punctuality and eagerness to help were hallmarks of her character. Her home reflected her eclectic taste, and love of colour, plants and flowers. Always fashionable, Mary had a memorable flair for colour coordination and accessorizing by means of jewellery. Mary enjoyed travelling while spending many winters in Miami Beach and visiting the Bahamas and Acapulco.
Fondly known as ‘Grammy’ to her grandchildren and great grandchildren, her unwavering caring nature and generosity provided for many memorable family visits to Hamilton that included sumptuous homecooked meals, delectable desserts, a relaxing atmosphere, and journeys up to the mountain lookout park. Never was there a time that she wouldn’t ask if you wanted something to eat or drink, always ensuring that everyone had more than enough. Her easygoing nature would easily make one feel comfortable and she was always keen to know how you were doing. She was so welcoming and well prepared with open arms for large broods and friends. Her talent in Euchre was unprecedented, while playing at family gatherings and winning almost every game as she would often say ‘it lives.’
Visitation on Wednesday, September 6 from 7-9 pm at Harris Funeral Home, 220 St. James St. at Richmond. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. George Parish, 1164 Commissioners Rd. W., London on Thursday, September 7 at 11 am. Interment Sacred Heart Cemetery, Langton, at 2 pm on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the CMHA or Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.