Maria Bechard passed away on Thursday, April 28, 2022 after a lon g illness. She leaves behind her son, caregiver and best friend, Jeff Bechard. She is also survived by brother-in-law Donald Bechard (Jane, 2022) and will be missed by cousins Geert Kiers and Mary Kirby. Maria was born in 1942 in The Netherlands to the late Johanna and Martin Hellings and grew up with her brother, the late Walter . After moving to Chatham as a child, Maria met and married the love of her life, William (1992). Maria worked hard all of her life and took pride in her work at St Joseph’s hospital and Ursuline College. She loved cats (especially her own Kem per, Pretty, Brite-Brite and Pokey ), watching British television shows (Downton Abbey was a favourite), having company visit, and spending time with Jeff. Maria k new that God loved her. She will be cremated as per her wishes and remembered forever with love.