Margaretha Johanna Nijland

NIJLAND, Margaretha ‘Marya’. Died with dignity, surrounded by family and friends on December 14, 2022 in Victoria BC. Born August 9th, 1938, in Ootmarsum, the Netherlands, to Theunis Nijland and Margaretha Van der Wal. Marya’s early years under Nazi occupation shaped her calling to help people for the rest of her life, as a nurse and social justice activist.

Predeceased by two siblings, Marya leaves two sisters Hendrika and Azarja, brother Willem-Jan, niece Maroesja, several nephews and the love of her life for 36 years, husband Philip Symons.

Marya came to Canada in 1968 and nursed in Red Deer and Edmonton before moving to Victoria in 1986. Marya had a full-time involvement with the Unitarians, especially social justice and support for LGBTQ, Amnesty International, the Global Village store, Voice of Women, Taxes for Peace Not War, Victoria Multifaith Society, Faith in Action, Women in Black vigils, and Women in the Woods. She made numerous white poppies for peace, sewed artful, durable banners for congregations and activist groups, knitted sweaters, shawls, hand-warmers, toques, and till the end knitted small hearts to give to visitors and friends.

Proud of her Dutch heritage, Marya strove for justice in Canada and peace in the world.

A celebration of Marya’s life will be held at First Unitarian Church, 5575 West Saanich Road, in April 2023—see announcement later. In lieu of flowers, please donate to any food bank of your choice.