MIDDLETON - Maureen van Heerden, age 91, of Middleton, passed away on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at Attic Angel Health Center. She was born on Oct. 25, 1932, in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, the daughter of Francios and Thelma (Cooper) van Heerden.

Maureen is survived by her sister, Terry Begemann; niece, Elizabeth (Brian) Zorn; nephews, Gerald (Noam Eitan) vanHeerden and Kurt (Jeanne) Begemann; great-niece, Meghan; and great-nephews, Joshua, Conor (Funkie), Corey and Christopher (Maggie); close friend, Joan Lampert (and family); several great-nephews and nieces; and two godchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; twin brother, Gerald; brother, Lawrence van Heerden Sr.; sister-in-law, Jeanette van Heerden; niece, Jean Johnston; and nephews, Lawrence van Heerden Jr., and Walter van Heerden.

Maureen graduated from The University of Minnesota where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1963 and from Winona State College where she earned a Master of Science in 1968. Thereafter, she taught high school history for many years until she felt God's call, entered the seminary and became an ordained Lutheran Pastor in 1983. She served as Pastor in several Lutheran parishes over 30 years, until her retirement. In 1969, she proudly became a United States Citizen.

Maureen lived a full, loving and meaningful life that touched, comforted and brought joy to her congregations, her friends and her family. In all facets of her life, her greatest joy was in engaging with people of all ages and backgrounds. Always inclusive, and never judgmental, she wasn’t just interested in other people’s lives, she was invested in them. With her natural warmth and great sense of humor, she had an unfailing knack for getting people to see the good in themselves and the joy in their lives. And, when presented with sad, or even tragic, occurrences, she used those same qualities to guide all involved toward peace and light.

A celebration of life will be held at WEST CONCORD UNION CHURCH, 1317 Main St., Concord, Mass., at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.

Donations gratefully accepted to the following causes, which Maureen held dear:

·God’s Global Barnyard (<https://goodgifts.elca.org/gods-global-barnyard>)

·Wings - breaking the cycle of domestic violence (<https://wingsprogram.com/donate/>)

·Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (<https://www.womenoftheelca.org/katiesfund>)

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.

Middleton, WI 53562
(608) 831-6761

Maureen van Heerden

October 25, 1932 - June 11, 2024

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