Marie Megan Van Haitsma

Marie Megan Van Haitsma

Born June 21, 2001

Died July 21, 2026

Loving daughter of Doug and Yvonne Van Haitsma and her birth mother, Nicole Darr

Close sister to Maya and Will

Adoring aunt to Ivory Keeling

Loyal friend to many.

We were all privileged to have Marie in our lives for 25 years. We loved her deeply and we know she loved us too.

Marie was caring and joyful among loved ones and sometimes quiet and timid in groups.

She had a beautiful smile and a contagious laugh. 

Marie loved music, connecting with its emotion, discovering new artists, and creating new playlists to share with others. She was an outstanding caregiver who loved the little ones she watched. She had a heart for children with disabilities and seemed to feel connected to their struggle. She also loved her pets, Baloo and Winona. 

Marie found solace in nature and quiet places. She enjoyed taking long drives with her family and hiking in forests and national parks. She was both soothed and invigorated by the ocean.

Marie had a wonderful creative streak, and could express herself beautifully through painting, journaling, photography, and seeing the beauty in everyday objects.

Marie fought courageously and relentlessly for years against mental illness and addiction and chronic physical conditions. She desperately wanted to get better and was tenacious in her treatment. She implemented many techniques to quiet the voices that tormented her, and she faithfully attended AA meetings, even when away from home. She developed deep friendships with others who shared her struggles. 

The unrelenting struggle and pain, however, wore her out, and ultimately, Marie found more peace in death than she did in life. 

Her sister Maya reflects, “I’m left with many feelings…sadness, loneliness, anger, regret…but mostly I’m just so happy that she was my sister, and I’m so proud of her for fighting incredibly  hard for so long. I’ve been able to see what an impact she has made in people’s lives, and it gives me a lot of joy.”

From her brother Will: “My sister was the strongest person I have ever set eyes on. She was a fighter, and I know that she fought harder than I could start to understand. I started off very disappointed in her and very distraught. But I can’t help but be the proudest little brother in the world for what she endured. I wish someday I could have the intestinal fortitude that she did but she will always have that over me.”

Marie is survived by her parents, Doug and Yvonne Van Haitsma; her sister and brother-in-law, Maya and Perry Keeling, along with their daughter, Ivory Keeling; her brother, Will Van Haitsma; and her grandparents, Alan Van Haitsma and Roberta Hutt.

She is also survived by her birth family, including her mother, Nicole Darr; her sister, Elise Darr; her grandparents, Bob and Diane Steenstra; and her aunt, Kelly Steenstra.

Marie leaves behind many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends who will cherish her memory.

She joins her grandmother, Janice Van Haitsma, and her grandfather, Gary Hutt, to be with Jesus. 

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, August 22nd at 10:30 am at Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 250 N Highland Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15206  Fellowship to follow

Arrangements by Weddell-Ajak Funeral Home, Aspinwall

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