Marjolein Strikwerda McLachlin, mother, wife, sister, dancer, teacher, and beloved friend, passed away on Feb. 11, the morning of her 69th birthday.
Marjolein McLachlin, 69, passed away on Feb. 11. Her memorial service will be on April 26.
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 U.S. for 40 years.
Pursuing a career in education, she found her calling in the classroom and taught elementary school in Amsterdam; Evanston, Illinois; and finally for over 15 years at Pear Tree Point School in Darien.
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.
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.
Despite living in the U.S., 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.
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.
A memorial service for Marjolein will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the First Congregational Church of Darien, 14 Brookside Road. 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.
— an obituary from the Darien Times on Legacy.com, where online condolences may be left