Mary P. Koning-Arts

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Mary P. Koning-Arts, age 87, died November 22, 2015 at home surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Java, Indonesia, she was the daughter of the late A.M. Nikolaas and Cornelia (Oldenbroek) Koning. Mary survived 3 ½ years in a Japanese prison camp #10, in East Java, during World War II. She came to the United States in 1956 under the Eisenhower Refugee Act. Mary was a loving wife and a devoted mother who became known as Oma to those who loved her. She will be remembered for her patience, caring and artistic abilities that included beautifully quilted wall hangings as well as intricate embroidery work. Active in the lives of her grandchildren, Oma was a regular at swim meets and school activities. She was especially proud of her family and enjoyed the many gatherings that included a slokje or two. She leaves this world a better place.

Mary leaves her husband of 61 years, Henri G. Arts; her son, Franklin R. Arts and his wife, Karen, her daughter Elaine A. Houghtaling and her husband, Bob, son Luke J. Arts and his wife, Maggie; seven grandchildren: Jennifer, Sarah, Emily, Zachary, Dwight, Nicole, Alex; and two great-grandchildren, Luca and Xavier.

The ceremony will be private.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to The United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, 8085 Saltsburg Road, Suite 201, Pittsburgh, PA 15239 or the Children's Glaucoma Foundation, Two Longfellow Place, Suite 201, Boston, Massachusetts 02114.