3
trees
planted in memory of Frieda Dykstra
Obituary for Frieda Dykstra
Frieda Dykstra, born in Boskoop, Holland in 1929, died peacefully surrounded by family at the
Carlucci Home on July 21, 2023.
Frieda is survived by 6 children and 14 grandchildren. She grew up in the Netherlands, the
eldest of 7 children and immigrated to the United States in 1949, marrying Richard “Mick”
Dykstra in 1950.
Frieda’s early years during the war in Holland inspired her to create a safe haven for children in
need. To that end, she and Mick opened up their own home to, among others, foster children,
wards of the court and fresh air kids.
Returning to night school, Frieda earned a master’s degree in special education and went on to
become special needs coordinator for Head Start in Paterson, NJ. A job she loved passionately
for 20 years.
She loved to cook, read, and build terrariums. She had a gift for stretching a dollar and an
adventurous spirit that made it possible for a family of 8 to travel cross country in a van with
friends and tents and a pop up trailer.
She loved to share a glass of wine at the end of the day with others, especially if there were
chips!
To plant a tree in memory of Frieda Dykstra, visit the Tribute Store.
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