Maria Schnitzler was the youngest daughter of Samuel Schnitzler and Sara Schitzler, who, as cousins in the first degree, were married on 21 November 1866 in Rotterdam. Maria was born on 14 January 1885 in Rotterdam as the latest of the seven children . When she was still living at home with her siblings in the Almondestraat 24a, she worked as factory worker and seamstress.
On 24 February 1904 Maria - as an unmarried mother - has given birth to daughter, who she has recognized; her name was Sara Schnitzler, father unknown. On 30 July 1907 Maria left her parental home, expecting her 2nd child, who was born on 4 September 1907; she recognized him and his name was Abraham Schnitzler, father unknown.
When Maria left her parental home on 30 July 1907, she ended up in the Wijde Broedersteeg 27 and later in the Goudsche Wagenstraat 56, located near the Oostplein in Rotterdam. Her daughter Sara stayed behind with her grandparents and lived there till she got married on 25 October 1922 in Rotterdam to Eduard Maas.
On 17 June 1908, Maria Schnitzler married the non-Jewish Johannes Martinus Stilting, who was born 19 September 1876 in Deventer and widower of Geertruida Antonia Benjaminse. From that wedlock, which was solemnized on 3 November 1897 in Rotterdam, four children were born. Mother Geertruida Benjaminse however passed away on 3 June 1905 after the birth of her 4th child. From the marriage of Maria and Johannes M. Stilting, a son was born on 31 August 1908, named Johannes Martinus and in 1916 Maria had a daughter, who however was stillborn.
Maria’s son Abraham Schnitzler was already placed on 2 November 1908 as a foster son with the family of Dirk Kuivenhoven and his wife Pieternella Snelleman, who lived at Sarphatistraat 68 in Rotterdam. As far as known, this couple themselves had no children. Abraham Schnitzler however has changed his family name into “Kuivenhoven”, by Royal Decree of 29 September 1927, nr. 65
Maria’s spouse, Johannes M. Stilting passed away in Rotterdam on 15 may 1960, age 83 years. Maria then was 75 years old but it is not known where and when she passed away.
Sources among others the City Archive of Rotterdam, family registration cards of Samuel Schnitzler (183), Johannes Martiuns Stilting, Sara Schnitzler, Abraham Schnitzler, Dirk Kuivenhoven; wedding certificates of Stilting/Benjaminse and Stilting/Schnitzler and the certificate of death of Johannes Martinus Stilting.