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Marjolein McLachlin Obituary
2/11/2025
Marjolein McLachlin, mother, wife, sister, dancer, teacher, and beloved friend, passed away on the morning of her 69th birthday. She is survived by her husband Harry, daughter Mariella and son-in-law Kendall, grandson Luca, and daughter Dana, as well as her brothers Luc and Peter and many nieces and nephews.
Born in Amsterdam to Peter and Sienie Strikwerda, after marrying her American husband Harry in 1985 she moved to and made her home in the US for forty years. Marjolein will be remembered for her big heart and warm smile; she was relentlessly empathetic and selfless, caring about others even during some of her most difficult days. An animal lover, environmentalist, and long term vegetarian, she was conscientious, thoughtful, and deeply curious about the world. Pursuing a career in education, she found her calling in the classroom and taught elementary school in Amsterdam, Evanston, Illinois, and finally for over fifteen years at Pear Tree Point School in Darien, Connecticut. She brought creativity and care to her classes, and particularly enjoyed teaching social science units on ancient Rome, sharing the Dutch tradition of Sinterklaas with her students, and learning about Montessori teaching methods.
Despite living in the US, Marjolein always kept up with loved ones and lifelong friendships in the Netherlands and greatly enjoyed the chance to spend more time there in retirement. She treasured nothing more than being with her family and friends, and in true Dutch fashion enjoying gezellig coffee time, walks, and bike rides together. A lifelong dancer, she savored international folk dancing trips and continued to attend weekly folk dancing gatherings for as long as she was able to.
A memorial service for Marjolein will be held at the First Congregational Church of Darien at 14 Brookside Rd., Darien, on Saturday, April 26th at 10 a.m. An additional celebration in honor of her life will be held in the Netherlands later this year. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of Marjolein to Smilow Cancer Hospital in New Haven, CT.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marjolein McLachlin
4 Entries
Michael
June 7, 2025
A teacher i will never forget! I was around 8 or 9 when she was my teacher in the netherlands (Onze Wereld) She always noticed me in class and every now and then she would say some nurtering words which made her stood out. All i like to say is: rust zacht lieve juf marjolein
Mies Bilkert (Smelt)
March 18, 2025
Dear Harry, Mariella and Family,
I´m really sorry to learn that Marjolein has passed away, far too young! I knew Marjolein from the Breitner MMS in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. She always seemed to be an optimistic, friendly person.
I wish that all the fantastic memories, will help you to go on.
Mies Smelt (now Bilkert)
Jayne Blackstock
March 17, 2025
Harry and Family... My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Hallett Parisi
February 26, 2025
Marjolein was an amazing teacher. She made an immediate and lasting impact on both of my children´s lives. She instilled an absolute joy and love of learning.
Fondly,
Hallett Parisi
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