Marie Georgine “Oma” Ouwens, 86, of Rochester, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, at Aurora Medical Center in Burlington.
Marie was born May 22, 1939, in Lawang, Java, Indonesia to Patina and Ferdinand Schoonderwal. As a child, Marie lived through the Japanese Invasion and Occupation of the Dutch East Indies (modern Indonesia) during WWII. She met and married the love of her life, Bernard “Bernie” Ouwens, who preceded her in death in 1993.
In 1958, Marie and Bernie immigrated by ship to The Netherlands and then in 1962, they immigrated to the United States, settling and raising their children in Rochester.
Marie was a skilled cook, especially known her famous lumpia and holiday soto ayam. She had a lifelong love of animals, gardening with her flowers admired by friends and strangers alike, and a gift for nurturing children. She also had a great love for music and dancing, especially the songs of Elvis Presley.
Marie is survived by her eight children, Humphrey Ouwens, Laura (Ralph) Gollnick, Flora (William) Nietfeldt, Clara Ouwens, Deborah (Larry) Heinz, Jeffery Ouwens (Harlan Ferstl), Barbara (David) Ouwens Goff and Godfrey (Sharon) Ouwens; eight grandchildren, Angela (Todd) Sikowski, Alexandrea (Adam) Dahlstrom, Tyler (Taylor) Goff, Allen (Audrey) Gollnick, Jaclyn (Michael) Ficcaglia, Kasondra Gollnick, Miranda (Kain) Heinz and Alexander Ouwens; and seven great-grandchildren, Kendall, Payton, and Brooke Sikowski, Aaron and Jude Dahlstrom, and Deklan and Monroe Jo Goff. Marie will be deeply missed by many dear friends and extended family.
A private family service will be held. The family wishes to thank the staff of Aurora Medical Center of Burlington and Mealy-Stencil Funeral Home for their compassionate care.
