Margaret Van Ryzin of Gambrills, MD, a former long-time resident of Madison, NJ, passed away on August 8, 2020. She was 91.
Marge was born on February 21, 1929 in Milwaukee, WI. She was the seventh of eight children of Alex Bielinski and Veronica Chucka. In high school, she met her future husband Robert Van Ryzin. The two married in 1950 and had nine children, spending more than 30 years of their life together in Madison, NJ.
Marge was a mother, grandmother, homemaker, volunteer, sister, and friend. She was an avid gardener, both at her own home and as a volunteer with The Cross Estate Gardens in Bernardsville, NJ, and The Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morris Township, NJ. In 1998, the arboretum planted a tree in her honor to recognize her 13 years of service as president of the board, secretary, and hospitality chair. Marge also was a life-long learner who greatly enjoyed reading, politics, and travel.
More than anything, Marge will be remembered as a kind, generous spirit and the cherished matriarch of an ever-growing family. She valued people, hard work, and family above all, and she shared her optimism, wit, and wisdom with everyone who was lucky enough to know her.
Marge leaves an incredible legacy and is survived by her children Peter, Anne, Helen, Paul, John, Mary, Bill, and Jean, as well as 23 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Marge was preceded in death by her husband Bob, daughter Joan, and granddaughter Lydia.
A memorial service is being planned for October. For details, please email Jean Van Ryzin at jvr32@msn.com. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Marge’s name to the Friends of the National Arboretum at www.fona.org/donate.
Guestbook
Thank you Caroline for your perfect poem! I am thinking of her today and can hardly believe its almost a year since she left us. I know we all miss her so.
I wrote the following poem, titled For My Grandmother, a few days before gramma passed. Although she wasnt able to really respond when I read it to her, I like to believe she was able to listen to it... Youre the most strong-willed and resilient woman Ive ever known - and probably ever will. The doctors say your heart is failing, but how could it with all that love? You love me more than I love myself. Every day I come home from school, you ask how my day was, and I know you truly care. You tell me youre proud of everything I do, even when it feels unimportant. Your smile and optimism cannot be matched by anyone else in this world. You tell me about books youve read and movies youve watched, because, even at 91, you still have a craving to learn more. I can hardly remember a life when I didnt see your bright face everyday, and Im infinitely grateful for that. I remember the days of you driving me to elementary school and buying me brownies (because sugar makes everything sweeter). Youve always been my biggest fan - always there whenever I needed a stuffed animal to be stitched up or someone to play with when I was home sick - making faces and animals out of the alphabet. You tell me Ill do great things, and I want to, just to make you proud. Theres so much I want to say, but cant find the words for. Thank you, for all of it. And I love you, for all of it. I always will.
I will miss my Mom.
I could never have wished for a better mother than Margaret Van Ryzin. She was so much more than just my Mom. She was my teacher. She taught me how to cook, sew, keep a nice home and play a mean game of Scrabble. She was my mentor. By example, she taught me how to be a good mother to my own children, to nurture and to honor their individuality. She was my spiritual guide. She taught me the value of hard work, gratitude, positivity, optimism and belief in a power greater than myself. She was my friend. She acknowledged my accomplishments, consoled me when I was down and made me see deeper inside myself. She was my role model. I learned the importance of aging gracefully, which means just keep going every single day! And make necessary adjustments along the way with, above all else, a positive mindset! She was a grandmother to my children. She was another being who truly loved Garrett, Ben and Ava as much as I did, which greatly enriched their lives. She was my companion. We travelled many places together sharing our interest in nature, art, theater, and history. Our trip to Graceland tops the list! I loved my Mom with all my soul. I will miss her dearly!
I wrote the following words on Mom's 70th birthday in 1999, and every one of them stayed true until the very end. Dear Mom, I love so many things about you. I love that I can be honest with you and that you accept me so completely as I am. Your love has given me the strength to grow and discover myself. I love that you feel things deeply and find real meaning in life. Your intensity has made my life richer. I love that you have more energy and efficiency than you know what to do with. Your vitality has shown me how to live life to the fullest. I love how you work to stay connected with everyone. Your commitment makes me appreciate the importance of family. You are a wonderous person, Mom, and I'm so glad that I share my life with you. I love you more than I can say. Love, Jeanie
wow, my niece is awsome