Grietje Stryker

In Celebration of the life of Grietje (Rie) Offringa Stryker



Her children arise and call her blessed. Proverbs 31:28



Our mother passed away in her beloved home in Williamsburg, Virginia on April 4, 2023. Both she and our father lived their lives guided by faith and a deep love for family, values they instilled in us. Her passing leaves a vacuum so deep and wide it cannot be overstated.



In her long and interesting life, our mother's journey carried her from her beloved homeland of the Netherlands to far-flung places around the globe. She passed on her love of travel, cultures and people to each of us, while also instilling a love for all things Dutch. All who know us have been introduced (or subjected) to Dutch food, Dutch phrases, Dutch delftware, Dutch tulips, the House of Orange and so on. As the saying goes, "If you ain't Dutch, you ain't much."



As a devoted military wife, she lived and raised her family in over thirty homes, in five countries, across three continents. Whether military quarters or the forever home designed and built by our father, each one was a place of beauty, comfort, cleanliness and order. Our mother was our constant, and home was our refuge, as we continuously transitioned to new surroundings. Our parents' final Williamsburg home became our home base, where we gathered for holidays and celebrations. In due time, nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren arrived, adding to the joy and memories made there.



Our mother was an exquisite hostess. Each event was meticulously planned and executed, and she had a gift for making every guest feel special. The notes of appreciation that she received and lovingly saved are a testament to the number of lives she touched. Her kindness also extended well beyond her home. She assembled and delivered baskets filled with thoughtfully selected items to demonstrate her care, congratulations, sympathy and friendship. Each basket was wrapped in cellophane, accompanied by a handwritten note, and adorned with her signature fresh greens.

She was a successful businesswoman, active in her community, and a member of many organizations including the Queens Lake Garden Club and the Williamsburg Presbyterian Women's Circle. She was a role model for her three daughters and in the words of her only son, "the best mom a boy could ask for". She made each of us feel loved and cherished until her very last day.



Even as dementia slowly caused her to become more dependent on those who loved her, she retained the core of who God made her to be. Her smiles and gratitude for us and her dear caregivers warmed our hearts every day. She always followed her own lifelong advice to "Make it a good day."

Our parents gave us a sure foundation of faith, and thus we have the unwavering assurance and comfort of knowing that we will meet again. Surely her maker welcomed her home saying: "Well done, good and faithful servant." Matthew 25:23



The family is planning a private service in Arlington National Cemetery later this year.