Jean Kruyd

Jean F. Kruyd (nee Vande Griek), age 90, of Lincoln  Park passed away peacefully on Friday August 30, 2019 while receiving the loving care of her family.

Jean was born and raised in Passaic, NJ and was one of three children to Adrian and Trina Vande Griek.  After attending Passaic High School, Jean found work  at Federal Telephone in Passaic where she worked for several years.  On April 8, 1950 Jean married her childhood sweetheart, William Kruyd, Jr., who was also the local paperboy for her parents.  Jean and her husband stayed in Passaic for a few years welcoming their first son William in 1953.  In 1954 the family had a new home built and moved to Pequannock.  Then in 1956 the couple welcomed their second son Brian.  Immediately after getting married, Jean devoted herself to being a full time homemaker.  It was clear that Jean’s calling in life was to become a mother and this is where she flourished.  She was dedicated to being a mother and a wife, having dinner on the table at five o’clock every night and Sunday dinners at two o’clock sharp.  For many years Jean cherished hosting family dinners and holidays all year round at her home.

In 1968, Jean and her husband separated and later divorced. Jean went back to the workforce and found employment at General Hose Products in Fairfield. There, Jean worked as a clerk, handling and processing all documentation for the Production Control Department.  Jean worked there for twenty five years until her retirement in 1994.  During her time there she truly enjoyed her work and the people she worked with.

Jean enjoyed reading and walking and treasured spending time with her friends and family.  For many years, Jean and her dear friend and companion Jack McKowen would spend much of their free time driving for hours in search of the country-style furniture and knickknacks she loved and new and interesting restaurants in which to dine. In 2005, Jack retired to Florida while Jean stayed in New Jersey and moved to Lincoln Park.  Jean’s true passion in life was her family, and nothing in the world meant more to Jean than spending time with and providing for her family. She was a truly special person who touched the lives of many people and will be sincerely missed by everyone that knew her.

Jean is survived by her two sons, William Kruyd and his wife Lori of Rockaway, and Brian Kruyd of Parsippany, three nieces; Joyce Kish of Oak Ridge, Karen Sommers of Bartonsville, PA, and Joan Ferrell of Daytona Beach, FL.  Jean was predeceased by her sister Cornelia Johnson in 2009 and her brother Oliver Vande Griek in 1983.