Elizabeth "Marie" Van Roosendaal

The best in all the best ways and a bright light to everyone, Sweet Marie, age 47, passed away unexpectedly in her sleep on Tuesday, July 21st.

Always late, and worth the wait, Elizabeth Marie Van Roosendaal was born two weeks overdue, on November 11, 1978. She arrived on this earth to Elizabeth and Keith Van Roosendaal in the LDS Hospital amidst a memorable winter storm. Poetically, she spent the rest of her life being a ray of sunshine and a bright light to all she encountered.

As a small child, Marie was already curious and incredibly bright, and was known for pouring over National Geographic magazines in her play pen. With her inquisitive nature, remarkable memory, and keen intellect, she rivaled Google with her knowledge of anything from horticulture to politics, and she never lost her love of reading and learning. Despite her brilliance, she was humble, and was never one to boast. She was, however, one to amuse with her razor-sharp wit and entertain with her unbeatable sense of humor.

Marie was talented beyond measure. She discovered her affinity for art in junior high, winning and selling her drawings at art shows. Her creativity extended far beyond the walls of the classroom where she grew and befriended every teacher she had; Marie introduced her daughters to a world of art and beauty, often taking them to art and craft nights and to explore historic buildings across the valley. When she didn’t have the girls with her, she’d happily go alone and make friends there. She had a way of making everything she touched more beautiful.

Marie attended Skyline High School, where she blossomed. Part of the class of ‘97, she loved being an Eagle. She was very involved in high school, participating in extra-curricular activities, like dances, and lending her hand for countless events. Marie also attended Salt Lake Community College and the University of Utah, where she majored in English and cherished her time as a member of the Lambda Delta Sigma Epsilon sorority.

In November 2003, Marie married Kevin Louder and, while they weren’t meant to be, they brought two wonderful people into the world. Marie became the proud mom of daughters Hailey Marie in 2004, and Abigail Elizabeth in 2008. She lived to hold her

babies, and did anything necessary to be with them. Marie filled her girls’ lives with immeasurable amounts of sunshine, whimsy and love. They were the lights of her life, and to know her was to know her complete and pure love for her beautiful girls.

Marie deeply loved and was loved by her family. She rarely missed family events, and was a supportive daughter, frequently attending Daughters of Utah Pioneers and Sons of Utah Pioneers events with her mother. She was a devoted sister and aunt, and she thoroughly enjoyed supporting her nieces’ and nephews’ in their performances and games. Marie truly loved seeing others do what they love.

Marie loved to serve others and felt she could bring beauty into people’s lives through small acts of kindness. She unfailingly went out of her way to offer a kind word and champion everyone around her. Marie had a profound impact on each and every person she came across. She effortlessly made us all feel loved, special, and celebrated, giving little thoughtful gifts, sending cute texts, and gathering people for fun events. Though Marie was always quiet and thoughtful behind the scenes, she meant the world to everyone in her life.

Marie relished being involved in her community. Her volunteerism and donations benefited many, including the food bank, animal foundations, and programs for refugees. Even at times when she didn’t have much, she was generous with all she had. Marie was passionate and proactive in creating a better, more inclusive future for all, especially for her daughters. She also worked for a decade at Miller Insurance Group as an account executive, where she was always learning and interacting with her clients, whom she valued not just as customers, but also as friends.

Marie saw beauty where others couldn’t. A savior of carelessly discarded plants and flowers, she had a knack for reviving them and helping them thrive. She had the greenest thumbs of anyone and nature flourished in her care. She took great pride in her beautiful garden and the neighborhood gardens she planted. She loved pursuing her passion and connecting with others through her involvement in both the Rose Society and the Iris Society. Appropriately, she also had a beautiful way with animals, and rescued and brought home several dogs, cats, and other animals throughout her life, in addition to her beloved Reggie the raccoon. Even as an adult, friends’ and neighbors’ pets were immediately drawn to her.

Marie was a marvelous cook and baker who found so much joy in feeding others. She was excited to cook for others and to grace people with delectable meals and treats. For her, wonderful food was a true love language. She often arrived early or stayed late to relieve others of their burdens, taking on the lion’s share of the work to lighten their load and quietly serving without any thought or expectation of thanks. She regularly showed her immense, genuine love through delicious food.

Marie possessed a heart far too big for this world, and she felt everything so deeply. She was often moved to quiet tears simply upon hearing of a stranger’s misfortune, or seeing a random animal injured and in pain. Her compassion knew no bounds. For those who were blessed to know her, it was a true honor and a gift to be held in her heart and wrapped in the warmth and power of her love.

Always putting good out into the world, Marie made friends wherever she went. At the grocery store, she’d easily befriend the checkers, the produce stocker, and the random friendly shopper. Even on hard days, Marie was kind and friendly to anyone she encountered. Beyond her charm and poise, Marie worried for the state of the country she loved but, ever the optimist, she never lost hope, and always advocated for love and compassion for all.

Marie naturally created beauty that she effortlessly spread to everything she touched, but she was also elegant and graceful, and known for her radiant, loving smile. She adored pretty, unique dresses, fun jewelry and accessories, and never went anywhere without her hair styled. She was whimsical and eclectic. She was magical. We will forever miss Marie, but we are truly grateful she is ours to miss. She will live on in every flower that blooms, every quiet act of kindness, every beautiful display of creativity, in her daughters and in the hearts of all who were blessed to love her.

A lifelong champion of women, Marie was immensely proud to raise two strong daughters. They were her entire world, and nothing brought her greater joy than seeing their beauty, maturity, grace and strength of character. As she watches over them from above, she looks on with complete confidence in their journey and their bright future, quietly tending a beautiful garden until they are all together again.

You are my sunshine. We will love you forever, mommy.

Marie is survived by her daughters, Hailey Marie and Abigail Elizabeth Louder; her beloved pets, Coraline and Loretta; her mother, Elizabeth Ashley Van Roosendaal; grandmother, Meralyn Joy Van Roosendaal; sisters, Mary Anne Clements, Katherine Ashley Van Roosendaal, Stephanie Elisa Thomas; brother, Michael William Van Roosendaal; nephews, Jackson Jeffrey and Sawyer William Clements; nieces, Lilly Rose and Poppy Jane Clements, Autumn Ashley Van Roosendaal, and Oakley June Van Roosendaal; brothers-in-law, Jeffrey Allen Clements and Garrett Lynn Thomas; sister-in-law; Stacey Marie Van Roosendaal; and countless extended family and friends.

Marie is preceded in death by her father, Keith, and her grandparents, Thelma and William Ashley, by whom she will be buried, and grandfather, Robert Van Roosendaal.

Funeral services will be held Friday, July 31st at 11:00 a.m. at the East Millcreek Ward building where she grew up, located at 3750 South Hillside Lane, Millcreek, Utah. To honor Marie, we request that those who attend wear bright, cheerful colors.

The funeral services will be streamed live at:
https://evt.live/marie-van-roosendaal