Marna Johanna Jansen Van Vuren

A Celebration of Marna’s life will be held on 06/20/2025 from 4PM till 7PM at 16 Bow Lane in Barrington Hills. Eulogy will be at 6PM. All are welcome to attend.

Marna Johanna Jansen van Vuren, 76, of Barrington passed away on May 29, 2025.She was born on July 1, 1948 in Wolmaransstad, South Africa to the late Michiel and Elsie Heyns.

Mom grew up on a farm in the Stroomdrift area of the old West Transvaal. She was the fourth of six children, all girls.

She was a loving sister to all her siblings, especially her younger twin sisters, who were 13 months her juniors. The twins were vision impaired due to contracting polio at a very early age. She always defended them against bullies that picked on them at school. At night when the twins were afraid of the dark, they would tuck in next to her on her single bed, one on each side, while she wrapped her arms around each like an angel watching over them.

She met our father while she was studying at Teachers College in Bloemfontein. They were married in 1968.

Marna taught school until the birth of their first child Andre, followed by Jaun and Morne. She focused all her efforts on raising her 3 sons until 1981, after which she entered back into the workforce. She joined Trustbou Financial as an investment banker, claiming many awards. 

Marna immigrated to the US in 1998 to be near her sons and their families. Marna was an integral part in raising and mentoring all 7 of her grandchildren.

Marna loved being around family, reading, building puzzles and playing cards in the later years.

Marna will be deeply missed by her sons, Andre, Jaun and Morne and daughter in law Kristel (Jaun), her grandchildren Jordan, Savannah, Jaunie, AJ, Alexander, Maximus and Riley. Her sisters’ families, Gielie and Marietta Nieuwoudt, Marius and Elmarine Uys, Kobie and Ekzelda Buys, Boet and Letitia Nieuwoudt, Zelda Bergh, her remaining sister Tannie Inatjie Bergh, Tannie Elsa, Oom Jannie Du Toit and all their children. The Van Vuren remaining family, Tannie Estelle, Tannie Antje, Estie, Rudi, Henri and Antje Marie.

All of her friends and acquaintances that she made in Barrington over the years. Marna was preceded in death by her sisters Hester, Elsie, Marlie and Janette.

Her heart was always open to receiving love and she gave double the portion back to all. Marna was a strong and honorable woman.

Words from her Grandchildren.

Ouma, you were such a strong, intelligent, and deeply kind woman. Always placing yourself around the family, spreading love through your creativity and the warmth of your actions. You had a beautiful way of seeing the best in people and were such a selfless person, always putting others before yourself. Devoting your life to God, living your life with such grace, honesty, and integrity. Your presence brought light to those around you, and your impact will be felt forever. For me, she was a source of constant joy. Forever someone who could make me smile just by being near. You will always be loved, remembered, and cherished.

I love you, Ouma. 

Jaunie JvV

Ouma had a presence that could brighten any room. Her warmth, kindness, and quiet strength left an impression on everyone she met. As a teacher in her earlier years, she carried a deep love for learning, which she passed on to me with patience and care. She encouraged me to stay focused, to persevere, and to always value the importance of education. 

She was my confidante, my guide, and, without fail, my fiercest Uno opponent. She truly never let me win. Her wisdom, humor, and compassion made her one of a kind. If I can grow into even half the person she was, I’ll consider that a life well lived.

Her absence leaves a space that can never be filled. I will miss her more than words can say. 

Rest in peace, Ouma. ❤️

Savannah vV

Beauty is a rare thing that is found within oneself. It is shown in how they carry themselves, how they treat others and most importantly how they love. Ouma had this very gift. She embodied gentleness, kindness, patience and always put others before herself. Ouma loved with her entire being to the very end. She was a true child of God and not only read God’s word but lived it out daily. Ouma was always there for her three sons and us: her grandchildren. She was always present at sporting events, the school pick-up line, and at home teaching us to draw, play games and be creative. Ouma poured out her love and support to those around her and deeply loved her family. I am blessed to have spent so much time with my Ouma, time which helped shape me into the young man I am today. 

AJ vV

I’d like to start off and say that I’m confident nobody on this planet has a negative opinion about my Ouma. She was a brilliant and sweet woman who endlessly and selflessly provided care and comfort to those around her. As a child, I'm sure my siblings and cousins can share a similar experience. Every time I saw Ouma’s red Jeep Patriot pull into the driveway, I believe I experienced a little bit of the feeling Fritz and Prince share every time they see movement outside the house. The energy she brought into the home was always exhilarating. Even on what felt like the worst days she could make you smile and forget about the mundane issues we stumble across from day today. The most time I spent one on one with Ouma was getting assistance with school, which equated to a LOT of time during particular parts of the school year. I’d like to point out that those times with Ouma were truly some of the only times I found happiness in schoolwork. Even if I hated the work, she would always cut a deal, that cost nothing, to inspire me to finish my work. It’s like she possessed Midas’ touch, except instead of gold she turned everything into a bundle of joy. I miss the days when I’d boil my after-school ramen and Ouma and mom would converse about little happenings throughout the week. Although I never really participated in the conversation, I still got to experience the serenity of the song that’d come with every word she spoke. In her final days with us she continued to provide nothing but love and appreciation for the family even through pain. She’s the strongest woman I’ve met, and I would say I hope to make Ouma proud, though she was proud of us all, no matter our successes or accomplishments, because that’s the type of person she was. Ouma has influenced the best in me, and her legacy and values will live on and continue to inspire the ensuing generations of the Jansen van Vuren family. We love you Ouma, I know heaven has enough space for all the love in your soul, but we'll always carry a bit of it down here. <3

-Alex JvV

My beloved Ouma was truly one of a kind, radiant both inside and out. She was one of the most beautiful souls to walk this earth. Full of wisdom, and a light that touched everyone she met. Ouma had a memorable presence; when she entered a room, joy and excitement followed. Her warmth and genuine curiosity made everyone feel seen.She always asked thoughtful questions and took the time to truly connect at every holiday, in any environment. Her greatest achievements were in how she loved—with compassion and by pushing all of us grandchildren to learn and exercise creativity. I still cherish the memories of going to work with her at just nine years old, proudly being introduced to everyone she knew. It’s probably why I can talk to just about anyone now.Her absence is deeply felt every single day, but her spirit lives on in the way we love,give, and care for others. I am endlessly grateful for the time I had with her, and I hope to carry forward her light, her compassion, and her unwavering joy. I love you, Ouma.

Jordan JvV

I loved my Ouma. She was so beautiful inside and out. Though I couldn’t visit as much as I wish I could have, I still enjoyed our face-times and I hope she knows how much I love and miss her. I know she’s somewhere better now, and I just wish I could have seen her one last time. May she rest in peace.

Riley JvV

I loved my Ouma. She had an amazing heart and was a great person. I wish I could see her again, one last time. I’m gonna miss the face-times and seeing her when I come down to visit. Rest in peace Ouma. I love and miss you so much.

Maximus JvV