Obituary: Mary Amelie Kirchhofer, 74, The Dalles — Columbia Community Connection News Mid-Columbia Region

Sep 7

Sep 7 Obituary: Mary Amelie Kirchhofer, 74, The Dalles

Marijke Amelie Bors was born on September 8, 1948, at home in Tegelen, The Netherlands, her parents’ first child.

Both her grandmothers delighted in her arrival as she was also their first grandchild. In fact, with her big blue eyes and head full of natural curls, she was the delight of a very large family of 28 aunts and uncles and was loved like the favorite doll her pre-teen aunts thought she was.

Only three years since the conclusion of World War II fought heavily in the German border town Mary was born in, Mary’s young aunts were gradually adapting to a new world of peace, dependable meals, and light-hearted pastimes of which playing with their very own living doll was a most enjoyable part. They loved to read fairy tales to her and Mary lavished in the attention and openly reciprocated all the love given her. Surrounded by adoration of such a large family, Mary’s amiable nature, willingness to please and an instinct to give trouble a wide berth made her a pleasant and easy child to be around. These complaisant traits ingrained in her earliest years would follow her into adulthood.

Mary would quickly become the big sister of two brothers and three sisters in rapid succession. At 3 she started pre-school where she relished the camaraderie of friends. At 7 the family moved to the little coalmining town of Munstergeleen where she attended grade school with a 10-class daily curriculum. Not deterred, she continued to be a diligent student. On weekends, to give her coalminer father quiet time to sleep, her mother took the young family on frequent 2-mile strolls to visit their ailing grandmother in the neighboring town. Mary, always bundled up for she did not like the cold, did however love feeding the ducks along the way and adored watching ducklings swimming behind their mamas because it reminded her of her own mom with her six children in tow. On special occasions, taught by the now-teenage aunts, the children would act out a play for their bedridden grandmother and their many aunts and uncles. When Mary was 9, her 4-year-old sister went missing from the home and the entire neighborhood set out looking for her, Mary took her bicycle out into the cold & dark to search for her. Upon returning hours later, she found her sibling had been hiding and fallen asleep under a heavy quilt draped over the footboard of her parent’s bed.

As an eldest daughter Mary had a special bond with her mother as they shared family care. At 12 years old Mary helped to handle the young brood on the family’s 11-day transatlantic journey from The Netherlands to New York City and the pursuing transcontinental trip to Portland, Oregon where, eventually they settled in the countryside of Redland, Oregon. Likewise, she was tasked with smaller chores like helping her mom peel, cut, and fry 20 lbs. of potatoes on birthdays as French fries were the favorite treat of every child. At 15 she became a big sister for the last time when her youngest brother was born the only natural American citizen of the family. At 17 she and her parents passed the U.S. Citizenship exam and became American citizens. The remainder of the children who immigrated became naturalized citizens.

Mary continued to excel in her studies and though she was not fond of cleaning and cooking, she was a talented seamstress. She was a favored babysitter throughout the neighborhood and among her parents’ friends and acquaintances. At Estacada High School, she was a Yearbook Editor and was crowned the Homecoming Queen a testimony to both her aptitude and friendliness. She went on to College at Oregon State University against great odds. During a career counseling session during her senior year in high school, she revealed she could not afford to attend college. An excellent student, her counselor worked to show her ways she could accomplish this. While she diligently pursued the guidance, she worked at the local BirdsEye Cannery alongside her mother during the summer months. In 1970, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. In her big sister role, she had quietly set a path for all her brothers and sisters to follow.

Mary moved to The Dalles as a newlywed in 1971 when Vic accepted a teaching position at Wahtonka High School. During those early years, she worked as a care provider for a Child Care Center in The Dalles. Soon, taking care of Doug and Angie became her primary focus and proudest role.

When Angie and Doug started school, Mary found a position at an insurance agency as a secretary. A few years later, she took the necessary exams and obtained the licenses required to open her own insurance agency. She was very successful in this endeavor as she had an easy rapport with her clients and always had their best interests at heart.

Busy as she was with her family, their sporting events, and working full time, Mary found time to create beautiful cross stitch pieces that were displayed throughout their home.

She was never too busy to have a cup of coffee with friends or to play a competitive round of Canasta with family.

Her other notable interest was being a member of the Cascade Singers. She loved the camaraderie and the music. The choir performed concerts near and far and gave Mary a chance to travel as part of this well-loved group. A highlight for Mary was performing at Carnegie Hall!

There is a picture of Mary as a young child with a beagle at her side. All through her childhood, there was always a dog in the family. As soon as Mary and Vic acquired their first home, a dog was a continual part of the package. Mary loved her dogs and they, in turn, were devoted to her.

While she treasured her home and connections in The Dalles, Mary was drawn to the sunshine that Arizona offered. In 2016, after their retirements, Mary and Vic moved to Buckeye, AZ to spend the winter months. She truly basked in the sunshine. She looked forward to the water aerobics classes and became a member of the choir there. Summers were spent in their cabin at Lake Merwin in Washington which was a sanctuary of tranquility and breathtaking views. The proximity of the cabin afforded an annual opportunity to visit Angie and Doug and connect with friends in The Dalles.

Mary leaves a legacy of family who will continue to honor her memory. Her spirit will also live on as friends reflect on the times they were fortunate enough to share.

Celebration of Life for Mary is to be held at Bargeway Pub Banquet room on Sept. 15 at 1 p.m.