This is the story of the life of Maria Wilhelmina Broers.  She was generally known by family and friends as Mary.  Maria was born on 11th September 1922 in the city Tilburg, The Netherlands, to Antonius Vos and Wilhelmina Heesels. She was the youngest of 5 children, all girls.

Mary was raised in central Tilburg where her parents owned a successful confectionery manufacturing and distribution business. She spent her early adult life working in the family business.

In 1953 Mary emigrated to Australia, courtesy of the Australian government and started a new life in Canberra.

In early 1954 Mary married John Broers, the young handsome mechanic who had earlier worked repairing vehicles at her parents’ business in Tilburg. They were married at the local church in Hall, ACT where they lived at the time.

Together they raised 5 children, Mary, Hans, Dinah, Richard and Celeste and lived for the most part in the suburb of Yarralumla. During her free time Mary was often involved with her craftwork, including knitting, cross stitch and crochet. At Christmas time there was always a new cross-stitched stocking for any new grandchild or great grandchild.

Mary was a prolific reader of novels and loved completing crosswords throughout her adult life. She was affectionately known as Oma and was very much loved by all.