A brief life sketch - english
Maria was born in Amsterdam, the eldest daughter of Johannes Benner and Maria de Graaf-Benner. A younger brother, Hans Benner, predeceased her recently. She grew up in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Life became increasingly difficult in occupied Amsterdam during WWII. She lost her father in 1942. After the liberation, the family moved to the country side to open up an orphanage. There she met Hans Roquas in 1951, whose six younger brothers were sent there - straight from the repatriation boat from Indonesia. They were married in 1955. Marjolein arrived to the proud parents in 1956. Patricia Angelica came along in 1960. In 1962 Maria and Hans separated. Difficult health years followed for Maria, but she soon turned that into new interests in life. She became deeply interested in natural healing, philosophy, and metaphysics. The rest of her life was devoted to not only healing and improving herself physically and spiritually, but also to share her gifts and insights with others. In doing so she has made many life-long friends who cherish her dearly. She studied for several years and received multiple certificates as a licensed practitioner in naturopathy, homoeopathy, acupuncture, and Chinese herbalism. She established a practice and treated patients as her health would allow. For many years she taught acupuncture for the Dutch Acupuncture Association. In later years, as her health declined she still kept in touch with many of her pursuits and many of her friends. She spent a few times in the hospital in the last few years, but she would always go home, sooner rather than later, because that’s where she would most rather be. She had just talked to Marjolein on Monday and everything was well. On Tuesday she was hospitalized and underwent intestinal surgery on Wednesday. On Thursday she died peacefully and without suffering.