Paula Vuyk

Paula was born in Arnhem in the Netherlands on April 23rd, 1941 to Johannes Bernadus Ratelband and Jannigje Ploeg, both deceased. Paula was one of the four beloved children of the Ratelbands. Janny, Paula’s younger sister, passed away in Atlanta, Georgia in 2008. Her two brothers, Jacob and Willem Jan live in Canada and in Holland, respectively.

As a child, Paula’s family home, which can be seen in the movie A Bridge Too Far, was confiscated by German officers during the Nazi invasion of the Netherlands. Unfortunately, the family’s home was seriously damaged during the Second World War.

In her younger years, Paula pursued a secretarial degree and became fluent in Dutch, German, French, and English. She met her husband Adrian through her brother Jacob, who brought Adrian home for a weekend visit. For Adrian and Paula, it was love at first sight.

Paula and Adrian lived an adventurous life and traveled extensively throughout their married years living in Holland, Oman, Scotland, New Jersey, and, then, in Texas where they owned a successful business together.

Paula and Adrian were blessed with two sons (Dick and Adrian) and a daughter (Gabrielle), two daughters-in-law (Nicci and Missy), Gabby’s partner (Jason), and seven wonderful grandchildren (Bethany, Madeleine, Ian, Murphy, Amelia, Max, and Thijs) and a new grandson-in-law (Alex). Paula loved nothing more than entertaining friends and family and being with all of her children and grandchildren around the table (or, better yet, onboard the boat) and sharing life’s celebrations.

And while Paula loved being with her family, everyone can attest that she and Adrian were happiest when aboard their 42-foot Morgan, “The Petite Fleur.” Paula, the duly declared “admiral” of the Vuyk family was a licensed captain with two Atlantic crossings to her name. For over ten years, Paula and Adrian sailed across the Atlantic, in the Med, and through the Caribbean making many friends and meeting many interesting people along the way. When age made sailing more challenging, a new version of the Petite Fluer, a small trawler, became their home away from home.

Paula passed away peacefully in the arms of her husband of 54 years on October 15, 2020. She will be greatly missed by her family, friends, and anyone lucky enough to know her.

Sail on silver seas, Admiral.