Wilhelmina “Willy” VandeRydt, beloved mother, grandmother, great – grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, in Hackettstown, New Jersey, surrounded by loved ones.

Born on July 24, 1933, in Rotterdam, Holland, Willy grew up during the hardships of World War II—experiences that shaped her strength but never hardened her heart. Proud of her Dutch heritage, she carried her culture, resilience, and quiet bravery with her throughout her life. In her early 30s, she made the courageous decision to immigrate to the United States with her husband, Luke, and two young children, arriving with little more than determination, hope, and a deep love for her family. Hackettstown, New Jersey became her home, where she built a life defined by kindness, laughter, and unwavering devotion to those around her.

Willy was the devoted wife of Luke Aloysius VandeRydt, who preceded her in death in 1998. Together they built a life rooted in love, family, and perseverance. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Joop Mizee and Mina VanKlareron, and her brother, Toon Mizee.  Above all else, Willy’s greatest pride was her family. She was a loving mother to her three sons: Ron, Jerry (Lindsay), and Greg (Deb). She was a cherished grandmother to Blake (Dana), Grant (Emily), and Benjamin, and a proud great- grandmother to Willa and Penelope, who brought her endless joy.

Being a homemaker was not just her role, but her calling—she poured her heart into raising her children, caring for her grandchildren, and savoring every moment she was able to spend with her great- grandchildren.

Anyone who knew Willy would describe her as exceptionally kind, loving, quick-witted, and strong. She had a gift for making people feel instantly welcome and deeply cared for. Her presence was marked by laughter, warmth, and a smile that could light up any room. Despite the hardships she endured early in life, she never allowed them to define her; instead, she led with grace, humor, and compassion. Everyone who met her loved her.

Willy found great joy in cooking, reading, and gathering her family together.  Weekly family meals were a treasured tradition, and she was known for her incredible cooking—especially her lemon chicken, shrimp scampi, chicken marsala, gourmet mac and cheese, and her beloved Dutch croquettes, which the family looked forward to every Christmas Eve. Her kitchen was the heart of the home, where memories were made and love was always served generously.

She believed deeply in following your dreams, creating a better life for your family, and leading with kindness. She lived those values every day. Willy also found comfort and community through her faith and was a member of Trinity Methodist Church.

A celebration of Wilhelmina “Willy” VandeRydt’s life will be held on March 7, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ with services starting at 3 pm, followed by a gathering at Mattar’s Bistro at 4:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Willy’s deep care for others—especially those affected by cancer—donations may be made to: Cookies 4 a Cure: https://venmo.com/u/cookies4acure

Or to:

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105  (https://www.stjude.org)

Willy will be remembered for the beautiful life she lived, the family she cherished, the meals she lovingly prepared, and the kindness she shared so freely. Her legacy lives on in the generations she raised and the countless lives she touched.