Marie Drost

Marie Drost, 87, of Montville, formerly a longtime resident of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

Born and raised in Prospect Park, New Jersey, Marie was the daughter of Albert and Jeanette Van Grouw. She graduated from Hawthorne High School, was a member of the Ebenezer Netherlands Reformed Church in Franklin Lakes, and worked for many years as a medical secretary at the Holland Christian Home in North Haledon.

Marie married the love of her life, Peter, in Paterson, New Jersey. The couple honeymooned in Florida and shared 48 wonderful years together, wholly devoted to one another, until Pete’s passing in 2004.

Marie will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and ability to make friends wherever she went and was always ready with a smile for anyone she might encounter. She found joy in baking, regularly making cookies, cakes, and other sweet treats for her family. She was a competitive bowler, an avid lover of the outdoors, and enjoyed walking, biking, and spending time in nature. A passionate sports fan, she especially loved cheering for the Yankees and rarely missed a game or event involving her children and grandchildren—she was a proud and devoted supporter of all their activities.

During the spring and summer, Marie could often be found tending to her garden, nurturing her flowers, and caring for her home. She had a deep love for swimming and trips to the beach.

Marie’s legacy is one of love, dedication, and kindness. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. Her family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who supported and befriended her, especially in her later years.

Marie was predeceased by her husband, Peter Drost, and her brother, Albert Van Grouw Jr.. She is survived by her children: Nancy Eswood and her husband Lou of Parsippany, NJ; Ken Drost and his wife Dawn of Sarasota, FL; Tim Drost and his wife Jeananne of Verona, NJ; and Laurie Larsen of Wharton, NJ. She was a proud grandmother to Louis Eswood III and his wife Alyssa, Brian Eswood and his wife Anna, Alex Drost, Zach Drost, Heather Larsen, Michael Walshe, Patrick Walshe, Rachael Larsen, Kenny Larsen, and Alana Drost. She also leaves behind her four cherished great-grandchildren.

Marie’s warmth and love will be deeply missed but forever remembered by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, Please consider a donation to: www.allys-elves.org.   Ally’s Elves, Inc. is a charity inspired by and founded in the special connection between Marie’s granddaughter, Alana (Ally), and the seniors whose lives are brightened by the joy and companionship Alana and her community deliver each holiday season.