Ann Draijer

Ann (Johanna Wilhelmina Stolwijk) Draijer, “Anny” 87 years of age, passed away at her home in Hazlet on July 31, 2021.  She was born on September 5, 1933 in Heemstede, Netherlands and was the youngest of 8 children.  Ann emigrated to the United States in 1957 with her husband, Co Draijer, where they began a life together in Frenchtown, NJ.   As a young woman she did not speak English, and always told stories later in life that praised the kindness of strangers while she was adapting to American life.  She became a US Citizen in 1982.  Ann was an advocate for women’s rights and a co-founder of the Hazlet Youth Soccer Association where she ensured there was a girls soccer division.  She was a gifted athlete who enjoyed many years of volleyball as a young girl and competitive tennis as an adult. She was a talented tailor/seamstress for a men’s clothing store for many years.   Her interests and hobbies include needlepoint, master puzzling, reading the NY Times, all animals and traveling with her husband by camper.  She loved her family and grandchildren and showered them with love and tender care.  Ann was kind, generous, gracious, elegant and wise.   She is now with her husband dancing the waltz in heaven.    

Ann is predeceased by her parents, Elisabeth Vandermaden Stolwijk and Willem Stolwijk.  She is survived by her children, Yvonne O’Neill of Manalapan, New Jersey, Frank Draijer and his wife, Joyce of West Caldwell, New Jersey, Tricia McSherry and her husband, Donnie of Freehold, New Jersey, and Imelda O’Neill and her husband, Sean of Hazlet, New Jersey.  Ann is also survived by her 10 adoring grandchildren, “who call her OMA”, Clare, Megan, Shevaun, Erik, Rebecca, Brendan, Breanna, Sean, Erin and Ryan.  Oma’s Dutch legacy has strong roots in the United States and she leaves the family traditions to her children and grandchildren to carry on.  Her family will always miss her dearly.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Wednesday morning, August 4, 2021 8:45 AM to 9:30 AM at the Shore Point Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 3269 State Highway/Route 35 North, Hazlet, New Jersey 07730.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Wednesday morning, August 4, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, 727 Highway 36, Union Beach, New Jersey 07735.  Interment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Middletown, New Jersey. Memorial contributions in “Memory of Anny and Co” may be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital at stjude.org. For information, directions, or to send condolences to the family, please visit, www.shorepointfh.com.

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