Marianna Vroomen (Grice) Owen

Our beloved mother and Oma passed away Tuesday, March 19, 2013. Marianna was born June 22, 1928 to Maria and Leonardus Vroomen in Brunssum, Limburg, The Netherlands. Her father was killed in a coal mining accident when she was only 7 years old, leaving behind a wife and four small children. The family struggled to survive the German occupation of Holland in 1940 and the bombing of her homeland during WWII. She married her American solider boy, Master Sargeant William A. Grice in 1944 at the young age of 16. She traveled to America, carrying a small son aboard the war bride ship, The G. W. Goethals, in May of 1946. Then rode by train and bus from Ellis Island to Hobbs, NM, where she awaited the return of her husband from war in February of 1947. The family then settled in Carlsbad to raise their family. Marianna is survived by her son, John A. Grice and wife Charla of Carlsbad; three daughters: Mary J. Smith, Nancy Davis and husband, Frank of Carlsbad, Ginger Craft and husband, Howard of Roswell, NM. She is Oma to 13 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Also survived by her sister, Josephina Von Buggemen of Queensland, Australia and numerous nieces and nephews scattered through out the world. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughters: Shirley Fuson, Linda Eastman; William A. Grice, father of her six children; brothers: Joseph Vroomen, Hubert Vroomen; great-granddaughter, Ashton Estrada; great-grandson, Elijah Eastman and son-in-law, Stan A. Smith. Many will remember her smiling face and beautiful Dutch accent as a volunteer at the Cat's Meow for many years. Memorial contributions may be made to Noah's Ark, 5217 Buena Vista, Carlsbad, NM 88220. There will be no visitation, cremation has taken place. A Graveside Service will be held at Carlsbad Cemetery, Monday, March 25, 2013 at 10:00 AM with Mike Veilleux officiating. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com. Our Oma is now dancing in Heaven.