Maria Cornelia Oakes

With the greatest sadness, we say goodbye to our Mam, Maria Oakes, at the age of 92 and a half (exactly!). We were blessed with the best, the truest example of a loving mother if there ever was. Motherhood was her true calling. She raised her three daughters with a tenacity and ferociousness that was, well, next level. Mam taught us how to live by her example with a lust for life taken on with both hands. When we think of Mam, one word comes to mind, HEART. She had the biggest heart full of love for all that knew her. The kindest of hearts with arms always open. The fullest of hearts always ready for the next adventure with a naughty twinkle in her eyes. Having been born in Indonesia into a big loving family of nine children, then following her life path to the Netherlands where she grew up postwar, the importance of family was cemented into her enjoyment of each day. Even up to her last few days, conversation and laughter with her two sisters, Tineke and Carla (the twins) was a daily highlight. With her kind and loving heart, Mam decided to study nursing. It was because of her love of babies, she went on to specialize in pediatric nursing in England. While there, she crossed paths with (the late) Peter Maurice Oakes on the dance floor, and fell hopelessly in love. She married her charming, fun-loving Englishman and settled down to a life in England. After we three girls arrived, our family immigrated to the US where she juggled her nursing career and raising her children. The years to follow found the family in various parts of south Florida, where she thrived in her role of motherhood and gathered family around as often as possible by hosting holidays, embracing family traditions, celebrating annual family vacations and enjoying her nieces and nephews. Upon his retirement, Peter took her to the Midwest area. In Hamilton, Ohio, Mam enjoyed giving back to the community by volunteering many rewarding hours at the Bargain Bungalow. These were the years that her family blossomed. Joanne, before her marriage to Dave Peters, had her three children with Jim Scott. Maria Christine (Mam’s namesake), married to Jeffrey Vann with their three children, Llewellyn Christine, Easton Thomas, and Lincoln Walker; James Inch, married to Elaine (Tsai) and their two daughters, Isolde Charlotte and Gemma Oakley; and Megan Llewellyn (who has her Oma’s desire for adventure). Caroline married GeertJan Sijtema and had her two boys, Jordan Pieter and Arjan Geert. Pamela had Jackson Evan and Avery Victoria (another redhead) before meeting her sweetheart Troy Brockman. Now grandmotherhood was her calling. Holding babies, feeding bottles and giving as many snuggles as possible filled her heart with joy. The smile on her face as she has enjoyed these activities would light up a room. During these years, there were also many trips back to her European roots. Her love of all things Dutch remained strong throughout her life. Tulips, cheese, chocolate, and a sip (or two) of jenever were treats she always enjoyed. After nursing Peter through his last years Mam relocated to north Georgia to enjoy time with her then youngest grandchildren. She adjusted to an independent life quite well until she moved in with Pamela and Troy enjoying life on the lake to the fullest. The nature, the water, the boating and the lake view gave her so much peace and contentment as her health began to reflect her age. During her journey to her final resting place, she handled each day with grace, determination, and such inspiring positivity. Mam made every effort to be a part of each family milestone that came along. She believed that the richness of your life is measured by those that you love. We believe that Mam was the richest woman on earth. The family will be celebrating her life at a gathering in the months to come. In her memory, please celebrate her love of nature by planting or gifting a plant to a loved one. We will continue to carry her heart in our hearts. Arrangements by Tim Stewart Funeral Home, 300 Simonton Road SW, Lawrenceville, GA 30046. 770-962-3100. Please sign the online guest registry at www.stewartfh.com.

Maria Cornelia Oakes

October 14, 1931 - April 15, 2024

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Maria Cornelia Oakes

October 14, 1931 - April 15, 2024

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support