Maria (Ria) Adriana Schroeder

Ria passed away peacefully in her sleep on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at the age of 87. 

Ria was born in Den Dungen, the Netherlands, a twin, the second youngest, and the last survivor of 10 Smits siblings. Ria immigrated to Canada in 1963 with her former spouse Hank Vanderbraak. She was an expert seamstress and the former owner of Manotick Fashions. She had an incredible zest for life, an amazing sense of style, and was devoted to family here in Canada and the Netherlands.

Ria was predeceased by her cherished husband of 31 years, Karl Heinz Schroeder. Karl-Heinz passed away on January 26, 2025, just two days before Ria. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Glenn (Magali), Marilyn (Kevin) and Roger (Pam). She was a proud Oma to Aidan (Victoria), Liam (Joel) , Kate (Neil) , Sean (Christine), Mathew (Dakota) and Owen. She was also Oma Ria to the Schroeder grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Together again, Ria and Karl-Heinz are dancing and singing in heaven. A joint celebration of life will take place on Saturday, February 15th from 1-4 pm at the Garden Chapel of Tubman Funeral Homes, 3440 Richmond Rd, Ottawa. In lieu of flowers donations to the Ottawa Heart Institute would be appreciated by the family.