Margaret Van Ryzin of Gambrills, MD, a former long-time resident of Madison, NJ, passed away on August 8, 2020. She was 91.

Marge was born on February 21, 1929 in Milwaukee, WI. She was the seventh of eight children of Alex Bielinski and Veronica Chucka. In high school, she met her future husband Robert Van Ryzin. The two married in 1950 and had nine children, spending more than 30 years of their life together in Madison, NJ.

Marge was a mother, grandmother, homemaker, volunteer, sister, and friend. She was an avid gardener, both at her own home and as a volunteer with The Cross Estate Gardens in Bernardsville, NJ, and The Frelinghuysen Arboretum in Morris Township, NJ. In 1998, the arboretum planted a tree in her honor to recognize her 13 years of service as president of the board, secretary, and hospitality chair. Marge also was a life-long learner who greatly enjoyed reading, politics, and travel.

More than anything, Marge will be remembered as a kind, generous spirit and the cherished matriarch of an ever-growing family. She valued people, hard work, and family above all, and she shared her optimism, wit, and wisdom with everyone who was lucky enough to know her.

Marge leaves an incredible legacy and is survived by her children Peter, Anne, Helen, Paul, John, Mary, Bill, and Jean, as well as 23 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Marge was preceded in death by her husband Bob, daughter Joan, and granddaughter Lydia.

A memorial service is being planned for October. For details, please email Jean Van Ryzin at [email protected]. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Marge’s name to the Friends of the National Arboretum at www.fona.org/donate.