Margaret Van Dyk

Margaret “Maggi” E. Van Dyk, lately of Fredericksburg, passed away on February 20, 2022. She was born Margaret Beverly Elliott on April 18, 1933 in Lansing, Michigan to Ernest F. and Margaret V. (Beaman) Elliott. Tragically, Maggi’s mother passed away on the day of Maggi’s birth. At the age of seven, Maggi was adopted by her beloved step-mother, Audrey Mitchell.

Maggi, an only child, spent her summers on Houghton Lake, Michigan, where her parents owned a cottage. The Elliott family often hosted performers from the historic Houghton Lake Playhouse in their guest quarters. Maggi loved to regale her family with stories of when she, at the tender age of 12, acted as a “shill” for the newly opened and later renowned Houghton Lake Music Box, a mecca for local teens.

After graduating in 1951 from Baldwin High School, Maggi stretched her wings, and perhaps her parents’ patience, by insisting on attending the University of Miami in Florida, where she majored in Accounting. A typical over achiever, Maggi was President of her Tri Delta sorority. This petite blonde ball of energy, was also a Chesterfield girl, earning $35 month giving away free cigarettes at sorority and fraternity functions. Maggi met the love of her life, Jay Stanley Van Dyk, a member of Phi Delta Theta during just such an occasion. A fellow classmate, Jay soon switched from Lucky Strikes to Chesterfields. He informed Miss Elliott that he would marry her, which prompted Maggi to reply that she wouldn’t even consider dating him. Still, the dashing Naval Air Reservist quickly won her over. During their Christmas break in 1954, Jay and Maggi traveled back to Lansing and to his native Chicago to receive the blessings of their parents.

Jay and Maggi were married at the Kirk-In-The-Hills Church in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan on August 27, 1955. Their reception was held at Plum Hollow Golf Club. The couple honeymooned in California. Later they would often reminisce about their romantic dinners on Pier 39 in San Francisco.

Jay and Maggi resided in Chicago. There Jay joined his father at the family real estate and insurance firm of S. A. Van Dyk, Inc, which was founded by Jay’s father in the early 1920’s. Jay was also a director of Steel City National Bank of Chicago, Thornridge State Bank of South Holland and Tinley Park Bank. Jay and Maggi were members of the South Shore Country Club, where Jay was a member of various committees. The couple were avid travelers and visited far off places such as the infamous trip to Hong Kong where Jay presented Maggi with an incredible emerald and diamond ring. They especially treasured their trips to Europe, Jamaica and Hawaii.

While raising their children, Steven and Stacy, Maggi was a member and officer of her children’s PTA. She was a district Cookie Chairwoman while her daughter was a girl scout. As a result, her family was forced, at times, to share their home with thousands of boxes of the Girl Scout cookies. Maggi also was den mother for her son’s Cub Scout pack. She was the long time treasurer of the Infant Welfare Society which provided services such as behavioral health counseling, pediatric dentistry and optometry and speech and occupational therapy to the children of Chicago. Politically prominent, Maggi served as a Republican Election judge in Chicago for decades, appointed by a close family friend, Mayor Richard Daley.

After the loss of her beloved Jay in 1985, Maggi took over management of the family firm, becoming S.A. Van Dyk, Inc.’s first female President. Under her steady hand, the firm flourished and grew. One of her largest clients was the American Legion, for whom she insured the Boys and Girls States and the American Legion Baseball program. Maggi attended the annual American Legion National Conventions where she was always an honored guest. Through this association, she met every President from Ronald Reagan through Barrack Obama. One of her favorite memories was of touring Air Force One during the Reagan Administration. The souvenir jelly bean jar presented to her that day was one of her most prized possessions.

Maggi’s lifetime passions were her animals and football. The Van Dyk household included amongst its members, Jame and Vandy her beloved Golden Retrievers and cats Tiffany, Ibanez and Cinders. As to football, Maggi always rooted for the Oakland Raiders because her former classmate, Jim Otto, played Center. Maggi loved college football, most especially her beloved Miami Hurricanes and the USC Trojans (her son’s alma mater), and anyone playing against Notre Dame.

In September of 2019, after the sale of the longtime family home in Chicago, Maggi retired and moved to Fredericksburg to be near her son and daughter-in-law. She made wonderful friends while residing at The Evergreens retirement community. Trips to Gettysburg, picnics and weekly family dinners were of particular delight. Maggi celebrated her 88th birthday with a carriage tour of Colonial Williamsburg, where she last visited as a high school senior. In September 2021 she attended her 70th high school reunion with her son and daughter.

Maggi was the matriarch of an incredible family. She hosted sumptuous family Thanksgiving dinners that were legendary. She is survived by her devoted children, Steven E. Van Dyk, Ph.D. (Elisabeth) of Stafford, Va and Stacy V. Orr (Marc, Sr.) of Joliet, Il. Also surviving are her much loved grandchildren: Jessica (B.J.), Cameron (Gina), Ryan, Marc Jr., Nicholas, Michael and Ashley and step grandchildren: David (Ally), John (Geneva) and Ricky (Hannah). Additionally surviving are her great grandchildren: Wyatt, William, Brielle Margaret, Gage, Jase, Clara-Elizabeth, Sadie-Mae, Cecelia-Michelle, Vanessa, Kaleb, Keira, David, Levi, Teigen, Taylor Marie, Bethany Anne and Isabella Rose and her step-great grandchildren: Elijah, Daniel, Hunter, Wyatt, Jesse, Dallas and Lily Kate.

Maggi is pre-deceased by her husband and grandson, Douglas Michael Van Dyk.

Services will be at the convenience of the family. Maggi and her beloved Jay will be interred together for eternity.