Marguerite V van Stolk

Marguerite Virginia van Stolk was just one day shy of 97 years when she gracefully winked goodbye on the morning of August 6, 2025. She was surrounded by family, near and far, whose love was palpable, filling the space with song, stories, play and gratitude.

Marguerite was a life-long Staten Islander who was born at home on August 7th, 1928 to Rose and Rudolph Hefti in the neighborhood of Ward Hill, where she liked to spend time outdoors as a child, exploring the land and climbing trees with her sister Ann Holloway.

To those who knew her intimately, Marguerite was fondly known as Moose, Goo, or Mookie. She was a playful spirit who loved a good laugh and a subtle quip. Her adventures beyond Staten Island began as a young adult when she attended Southern Seminary, now known as Virginia College, and continued when she married Henri van Stolk on May 6th, 1950. Together they honeymooned in Bermuda and traveled extensively throughout Europe, visiting friends and family in Holland where Henri grew his early roots.

Marguerite shined as an artist and in addition to mothering four children, which is perhaps one of the greatest arts of all time, she was also a skilled painter, knitter and decoupage artist. These talents were a constant thread throughout her life, reflecting a depth of expression and purpose, colorfully woven with joy and imagination.

A lifetime holds a great expanse of experiences that are imprinted forever as memory. Marguerite is with us all in stories of summers spent in Myrtle Beach, thunderstorms at The River, great adventures to the pyramids in Egypt, sunny visits to Florida, family gatherings at Caulks Field and cruise adventures with her dear friend Helen.

She will be loved and remembered by her children, Marguerite Marie, Richard, Betsy and David van Stolk, her grand-children, Elisabeth Timpone (Joe Rogers), Hana Ross (Jake Ross), Daniel Mingoia (Diane); great grand-children, Lumi Rogers, Conrad Ross, Jordan, Julianna, and James Monts, and Daniel, Matthew and Olivia Mingoia, and great great grand child Josiah Monts, many nieces and nephews and other extended family, friends caregivers and animals.

There will be a Celebration of Life in the future.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to New York City Health + Hospitals/SeaView in Marguerite’s Memory. https://nychhc.networkforgood.com