Donna VanEssendelft Obituary

INDIAN LAND, SC ~ Mrs. Donna Jane VanEssendelft, age 88, passed away on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at her home. Donna was born on May 21, 1937, in Wantagh, NY. She was a daughter of the late Peter Douglas Behrendt and the late Caroline Bailey Behrendt VanEssendelft and was the wife of David "Dave" John VanEssendelft. She grew up in Sayville, NY and married Alfred "Brud" VanEmmerik, Jr. of West Sayville in 1957. They had two sons together, James Gregg and Brian Peter. After Brud's passing in 1975, she remarried Dave VanEssendelft in 1977. In 1989, Donna and Dave relocated to Princess Anne, MD where Dave designed and built their dream home on the Chesapeake Bay. Here, Donna enjoyed picturesque waterfront views.
Donna was a crafty person who had an eye for design and was born with a talent for decorating. She made beautiful displays for every holiday and was proud of her arrangements. She was an avid collector, from Delft pottery to porcelain dolls. Donna loved her collectables and family heirlooms with stories to tell for each item. She also enjoyed sewing, cooking and taking in and caring for stray cats. Donna was a member of the West Sayville Fire Department ladies' auxiliary, the Firemen's and Fishermen's Widows (FFW) and the local doll club. She was a humorous person and always stayed positive. Donna was of the Christian faith and would attend church every Sunday that she could and volunteered at the Sayville Christian bookstore where she decorated the window displays.
Donna is survived by her husband, Dave VanEssendelft; her son, Brian Peter VanEmmerik (Debbie); two brothers, Peter Behrendt and Jim Behrendt, her sister, Lynn Weeks; five grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and Aunt Carol Tuzzeo.
She is preceded in death by her first husband Alfred "Brud" VanEmmerik, Jr.; her son, James Gregg Van Emmerik, Sr.; and her parents, Peter Behrendt and Caroline Behrendt VanEssendelft.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Donna will be held at a later date.
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Burgess Funeral Home & Crematory