11/18/2025
PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO READ.
Good Morning To Our Friends, Followers and Taco Lovers.
My wife, Maria (DeRivera) Cuperus passed away 11 days ago and I first want to thank EVERYONE that has given words of condolence, financial assistance, and most of all your prayers for me and my family. We have received donations, via our Go Fund Me Page, from family, friends both old and new, from our customers, and from total strangers. Your generosity has been overwhelming, bringing tears to my eyes because God has moved your heart to give.
I am posting at this time because her funeral will be in two days and we are still struggling to give her a final resting place here on this earth.
Maria was a lifelong Catholic, and more importantly a lifelong Christian. She not only professed her faith, but she lived it. Her dedication to God led her to serve Him as a Eucharistic Minister, which began prior to graduation from high school, a catechism teacher, an organizer of Small Faith Sharing Groups, a “Candy Striper” at Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids, and numerous other positions of service to God. She did all these things while being a student, and then a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother.
She was so dedicated to her family that when her grandchildren, through no fault of their own, needed a home, she agreed to adopt and raise an additional four children when most people are at an age that many of us look forward to travel and leisure as empty nesters. Her dedication extended to the point of trying to adopt a fifth child at 63 years old and needing a fourth surgery on her back and neck. She put her faith in God first, and her dedication to family meant that there were so many dreams she put on hold for others.
She helped to raise nephews and nieces, friends of our children, and served as a mentor, a loving friend, and a point of strength for those that needed it.
She did all these things while dealing with her own physical ailments, both small and enormous.
As the holiday season begins, my children and I will begin a new chapter in our lives, one that doesn’t include having Maria with us. There will be no more watching the dancing turkey in the sink as she washed it so she could make a memorable meal for her family and then sitting down on Thanksgiving morning to watch one of her heroes, Santa Claus, arrive at the end of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. However, we, as a family, have these memories, and so many more, to last a lifetime.
I understand that at this time of the year, and in these uncertain times, not everyone can give financially. If you have, I give to you thanks for your donation, both large AND small to our Go Fund Me page. If you haven’t, we would so appreciative as to Maria Cuperus can have the burial she wanted. If you cannot give a donation, I completely understand because I have been in your shoes. I only ask that you say a prayer that she receives this final wish of someone who dedicated her life to God, Family, and Community as she was taught by her faith and her family.
Peace be with you all and Thank you.
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