Obituary of Henny de Geus

Henny de Geus, a beacon of resilience, love, and wisdom, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 1, 2025, at her cherished home in the White Meadow Lake section of Rockaway Township, New Jersey. At the age of 90, Henny left behind a legacy woven with unconditional love, infectious laughter, and countless memories that will forever warm the hearts of her family and friends.

Born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, to the late Judith (Schellevis) and Jacob de Jong, Henny was one of two daughters who brought joy to their household. Her early life was marked by the unimaginable hardships of the Holocaust, which separated her from her family. At a tender age, she was taken in by a family who sheltered her until the war’s end. At 10 years old, Henny found a nurturing home with her foster parents, Reik and Leo, whose kindness helped shape her into the remarkable woman she became. Intelligent, strong, and determined, Henny’s spirit remained unbroken.

As a young woman, Henny moved to Israel, where she proudly served in the Israeli Army. There, she laid the foundations of her family, marrying and welcoming children before making the courageous decision to immigrate to the United States in July 1958. Settling first in Bergen County, New Jersey, Henny and her family eventually found their forever home in White Meadow Lake in 1966, where she became a pillar of the community.

Henny’s professional life was defined by dedication and excellence. Beginning as a Sales Representative at JCPenney, she later joined Bamberger’s, which transitioned into Macy’s, where she rose to the role of Manager. She retired in 1985 after years of committed service. A voracious reader with a particular fondness for Perry Mason novels, Henny also found joy in community involvement. She was an active member of the White Meadow Lake Sisterhood and Temple, where she forged lasting bonds. Her love for pinochle and ping pong brought spirited moments of fun and connection with those around her.

Above all, Henny was the heart of her family—a devoted matriarch, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend. She was a source of comfort, wisdom, and guidance, always ready to lend an ear or offer sage advice. Her strength and grace touched every life she encountered, and her absence will be deeply felt. Henny now joins her parents, her beloved sister Rebecca, and brother-in-law Yehuda Meiska in eternal rest.

Henny’s memory will live on through her adored sons, Aryeh Leo de Geus and his wife GeorgAnn, and Jerry Roy de Geus and his wife Linda; her cherished grandchildren, Leah Rebecca Bassani and her husband Michael, Ariel Anne Vaskie and her husband Billy, Amanda Morgan de Geus and her husband Mark Valkovci, and Alexa Danielle de Geus-Spurrier and her wife Kelly Spurrier; her treasured great-grandchildren, James Patrick Simmons, Ava Marie de Geus, and Luca Vincent Bassani; and a wide circle of extended family and dear friends who will forever hold her close.

A Mausoleum Chapel service to celebrate Henny’s extraordinary life will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, at 11:30 AM at Cedar Park & Beth El Cemetery, The Sanctuary of Abraham and Sarah, 735 Forest Ave, Paramus, NJ 07652. All are warmly invited to join in honoring this remarkable woman. In lieu of flowers, please consider leaving a condolence, lighting a candle, or sharing a favorite memory of Henny to continue celebrating her vibrant life.

Henny de Geus’ legacy of love, resilience, and joy will endure in the hearts of all who knew her. May her memory be a blessing.