Wilhelmina A Vanderhorst

1939-2024

Wilhelmina Vanderhorst (Willy) passed away at her home in Carlsbad, California on July 23, 2024. She died as she lived: with grace, dignity and love for her family and friends.

Survivors include her sister, Catharina Vandervoort; her brothers, Aad (Adrie) Vandervoort and Wim Vandervoort; her niece Bettina Deuxberry, other nieces, all of whom reside in the Netherlands. She was predeceased by her parents, Wim and Ans Vandervoort and her husband of 54 years, Roger M. Vanderhorst.

Wilhelmina was born in 1939 in Monster, Netherlands. She grew up on a canal in the rural town of Poeldijk, Netherlands where her parents produced fruits and vegetables. After her school years, Willy and her friends traveled by bicycle around the country and she later worked in a laboratory. Her interest in seeing the world inspired a move to London to work as an au pair. It was in London, at an event at the Dutch Embassy, where she met her life partner, and fellow Dutchman, Roger. They married in the Netherlands and emigrated to the United States. They camped across the US and settled in Glendale, California where Willy began a career as an insurance manager and Roger worked for GM. In 1978, they bought their treasured home in Carlsbad, CA.

Willy was proud of both her Dutch heritage and American citizenship. She was an avid reader who enjoyed cooking, gardening, singing and was known for her quiet thoughtfulness, fierce spirit and dry sense of humor. She was grateful for the small things: to pat a dog, chat with a friend and look at the flowers on her daily walks. She will be remembered for her extraordinary Christmas traditions and decorations, including a 10 ft tree. Music filled their home at all times; she especially adored Andre Rieu and the Johann Strauss Orchestra and Lawrence Welk.

Willy accepted the health challenges that came in later years and shared many fond moments with her caregivers, neighbors and family. Special thanks to caregivers Dalia, Perza, Gaby, Blanca and Rosa for their years of love and dedication; and to the Kaiser Hospice Team.

A memorial service will be held on

Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at 10 AM

San Dieguito United Methodist Church Chapel

170 Calle Magdalena

Encinitas, CA

Donations may be made in her memory to the Rancho Coastal Humane Society, 389 Requeza St, Encinitas, CA 92