Dorothy E. Koldyk

Dorothy E. Koldyk, 84, of Riverdale, passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025.
Born in Friesland, Netherlands, Dorothy was the beloved daughter of Samuel and Jeanette Koldyk. She grew up in Grou alongside her siblings Elsa, Emma, Henri, Nicholas, and Marten before her family immigrated to the US in 1953, settling in Little Falls, NJ. Though she embraced her new life in America, her heart always carried warm memories of her hometown and the family she left behind.
Athletic and adventurous in her youth, she trained in gymnastics, jiu jitsu, and ice skating, always finding joy in movement. One of her truest gifts was her voice, a beautiful gift she inherited from her father. Trained in opera, she dreamed of attending Juilliard, and though life led her down a different path, she sang with grace and power in church-her voice a prayer that surely reached heaven.
Dorothy was a beautiful and kind soul and when she loved, she loved deeply, with devotion that never wavered. Her greatest joy was her small but close family, sharing a special, unbreakable bond with her daughter Jennifer, they were truly best friends and always looked out for one another. Dorothy's heart grew even fuller when Jennifer married Peter, expanding their close-knit family. Together, they created a lifetime of cherished moments and memories that will be forever treasured.
A devoted and hard-working mother, Dorothy built a career as an administrative professional with the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office, where she worked until her retirement in 2006. There, she formed lifelong friendships and was a beloved presence at countless gatherings and events-always the first to step onto the dance floor and the last to leave it.
Dorothy had a passion for travel, cherishing early trips with family to Wildwood and Florida, and later creating lasting memories with her daughter Jennifer on trips to Wildwood, Florida, Aruba, Mexico, and across the Caribbean. She also loved her yearly trips to New York City for Broadway shows and the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City.
She had a lifelong affection for cats, always sharing her home with one or two at a time. She cared for them with tenderness and joy, and her compassion for all living creatures reflected her gentle and loving personality.
Dorothy will be remembered for her warmth, her laughter, and her love for her family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
She is lovingly survived by her daughter, Jennifer and her husband Peter Piekema; her siblings, Elsa McSherley, Nick Koldyk (Judy), Marten Koldyk (Bev), nieces, nephews and their families. She was predeceased by her brother, Henri Koldyk, and her sister, Emma Archibald.
Family will host a celebration of life in the months ahead-a time to remember her laughter, her love, and the light she brought into the world. In lieu of flowers, donations to Alzheimer's Association is greatly appreciated.