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Marlou Bijlsma

July 29, 1961 - March 1, 2022

Gedreven door grenzeloze liefde

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  • 2022-03-13 02:34:09 View / Comment (0)

    Lourinda Brouwer

    Dear Pieter, Heleen en Jochem, I remember Marlou when she came and stayed with us in Sanger, California when she was a teenager with Irma. Even then, she was interested in nutrition. We remember her making pizza from scratch for us. She even used whole wheat flour and we were amazed at her cooking. She was laughing a lot and making jokes. Our mother, Tante Renée, would call her Marloutje Patoutje when she was little. I know Kimberly visited with her in Zimbabwe and Laney saw her a few years back in San Francisco. Such shock and disbelief. We are so sad and in disbelief. Much love, Lourinda, Laney and Kimberly Brouwer

  • 2022-03-10 18:28:39 View / Comment (0)

    Jochem van der Zaag

    Marlou & Pieters wedding in 1992

  • 2022-03-08 16:38:50 View / Comment (1)
    Themba Gumbo

    Themba Gumbo

    Themba Gumbo

    Marlou, was not only a wife, mother, vibrant nutritionist and family friend. She encompassed the whole of a brave Dutch lady who embraced different cultures head on. The early years in Zimbabwe, Pieter used to commute to Mutare and she will reciprocate week in week out till she moved to Harare. We thought Pieter's semi-bachelor will end and the regular drinks will stop flowing from No. 6 Mount Pleasant Drive, Harare. But alas! Marlou was more of a socialite and peoples person. She even had a good grasp of Shona (main language in Zimbabwe). Once she introduced me to a host of artist and writers at The Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) one of Africa's largest arts festivals. Previously I did not have much interest in HIFA. Always on her big bicycle, after hours riding up Mount Pleasant, she will stop and say come by our house later for drinks. She carried the spirit of UBUNTU (Nguni Bantu term meaning "humanity") back to Delft were we always felt welcome especially us Zimbabweans. We would roast meat, eat pap, drink, share and reminisce till the chickens came to roost. So long, Marlou, sorely missed!

  • 2022-03-08 12:32:13 View / Comment (0)

    Saskia van der Kam

    Living positively; nutrition guide for people with HIV/AIDS - Marlou Bijlsma - 1996

  • 2022-03-08 12:28:41 View / Comment (1)

    Saskia van der Kam

    Dear Pieter, Heleen and Jochem, I am grateful to have enjoyed Marlou’s warm friendship, humor, energy, creativity and commitment. Marlou was very inspiring for the patients as well as for her professional peers. Marlou’s pioneer work for nutrition support for people living with HIV had a huge impact. Marlou started the development in the past century when medication for HIV was not or hardly available. Actually, nutrition support was the only hope and comfort for people living with HIV. This work was the basis for many other guides to follow e.g. of the WHO, WFP, UNHCR and these guides were translated in several languages. The cover of her first booklet (1996) reflects Marlou’s work and Marlou’s spirit very well. Sadly Marlou is not among us anymore, but her colorful and positive carrot has rooted. Saskia van der Kam Médecins Sans Frontières , Amsterdam

  • 2022-03-08 09:06:00 View / Comment (0)
    Paolo Paron

    Paolo Paron

    Paolo Paron

    Dear Pieter, Heleen and Jochem, we have no words to express our condolences to you. However, we would like to tell you how Marlou was special for us: for Filippo she was the first person she met in Delft and she helped and guided him a lot during the last part of his PhD, with her insights into Nutrition and HIV. She was very coherent combining her job in nutrition with her lifestyle. For me Marlou was a source of happiness: every time she laughed the room was enlightened by her. We also got inspired a lot from Marlou (and Pieter) on parenthood since we became fathers. A warm hug to all of you. Paolo & Filippo

  • 2022-03-07 19:40:19 View / Comment (0)

    Ferdinand van Campen

    Ik herinner me Marlou van de 4 jaar dat we samen op het Bowlespark hebben gewoond. Marlou was mijn buurvrouw. Ik denk dat Marlou een kamer kreeg op het Bowlespark via Moniek van Gerwen. Marlou was lief en vol energie. Zij was heel sociaal. Ze had veel tijd voor vrienden/ vriendinnen die op bezoek kwamen. Haar kamer was de plaats van ontmoeting. Ik heb nog een tapijt voor haar kamer geregeld. Vanuit Den Haag kwam het met een Marktstal-verkoper naar Wageningen. Marlou was haar tijd ver vooruit. Ze was tijdens de jaren op het Bowlespark al vegetarisch. Na afloop van onze tijd op het Bowlespark heb ik het contact met Marlou verloren. Wat wel jammer is, want ik had graag haar ervaringen in Afrika gehoord. We hadden veel over Afrika kunnen praten; ik heb zelf ook veel jaren in Afrika gewerkt. Lieve Marlou, Rust in Vrede!

  • 2022-03-07 16:38:41 View / Comment (0)
    Larry Swatuk

    Larry Swatuk

    Larry Swatuk

    So many memories strung across years and places, from Harare to Delft! Perhaps Pieter will disagree, but to me Marlou was the 'well-balanced' one in the family. While full of fun and adventure, Marlou was also the one to make sure the ship was well-steered and always docked at safe harbour. Among my many memories one always stands out to me: 1999 Harare, Jochem had a birthday party where participants had their faces painted as their favorite animal. I got painted as a leopard by Marlou, and I even left the face-paint on when I later went to a work-related reception with the staff at WUSC. Fun combined with many long and serious discussions made the Bijlsma/van der Zaag household a destination of choice ... and the door was always open!!

  • 2022-03-07 16:09:38 View / Comment (0)

    Marlou van Campen

    Wat een heftig bericht, veel te vroeg, en plotseling. Voor mij was Marlou ""kleine"Marlou, en ik was ""grote"" Marlou in Wageningen. Want ja, we scheelden een paar koppen in lengte. Voor mij was Marlou een enorme energiebal, vol leven. Wagenings leven. Dan denk ik aan Bowlespark en dat ze zoveel creatieve gekke dingen deed. Kleren verven met bieten, wol met uienschillen, zelf thee samenstellen, grappige vierkante wijde kleren maken. En heel veel sfeer op haar volgestouwde studentenkamer. Voor mij een heel nieuwe manier van mens zijn. Marlou woonde ook nog bij mij in huis in de Hoogstraat. We zijn samen naar Portugal gelift. Ik herinner me dat ik vergeleken met Marlou een rustige diesel was, en zij de snelle pijl. Marlou was altijd als eerste de tent uit. We vonden het geweldig dat haar zusje Irma in het Portugees ook irma (zusje) is. Op de weg terug kregen we een lift vanaf de Frans/Spaanse grens van iemand uit Noorwegen. De Noorse man bracht ons natuurlijk gewoon even thuis, in Wageningen. Heel veel sterke voor de hele familie en liefs. Van (grote) Marlou

  • 2022-03-07 06:23:15 View / Comment (2)

    Dorcas Mufandaedza

    In memory of Marlou I would like to deeply appreciate her for the past 10 years I was with the family. Marlou was not my boss as she should be but rather my sister. I started staying with this family from 1994 up to 2003. All these years she helped me a lot. I started staying with them when I was from the village not knowing much English but Marlou always encouraged me to learn more and she even advised me to go to school, paying for my first year fees. She went on teaching me how to cook European dishes. Sometimes I gave up the job when I found some challenges with the work but she was always there strengthening me. She even taught me real life and how to tackle some challenges. Marlou was really a sister to me. When we moved from Mutare to Harare without anyone I knew, she just took me as part of the family until I made new friends in Harare. When I had a problem I would not hesitate to tell her because she was willing to listen to my concerns. When I delivered my first baby she was by my side. Even when my village collapsed she comforted me with every help I needed. She helped me with nearly everything I and my child needed. Now my first child has completed her first degree which I had intended to invite her and the family to the graduation ceremony. Unfortunately things didn't turn out the way I had planned. I am really in pain of losing this loving lady. Marlou was a heroine to my family. I have ran out of words to hear of Marlou's death. Even children were shocked. We had a very strong bond with Marlou that I could not rub from my heart even if they were far from us. I cannot mention all the goodies that Marlou graced my children and I until her death. I will always remember Marlou for all love she showed to me and my children. May her dearest soul rest in internal peace.

  • 2022-03-07 06:17:17 View / Comment (1)

    Ropafadzo Madziisa

    The first day I felt the fresh air after 9 months of being locked in my mom's belly, Marlou was there. I didn't know much but was trying to figure out my way in the world. Marlou took me as her own to the extent that Jochem thought l was robbing him of his place as the last. She showed me the best of motherly love every little baby would ever want. I remember her taking me out for shopping and even the great trips we had. I nearly got confused in identifying my biological mother because Marlou showed me exceptional kindness, care and attention. Words alone are not worth to express my esteemed gratitude for the good works Marlou did for me. I understand people come and they go but Marlou will remain a part of my life. I couldn't have been where I am today if it wasn't for her support and encouragement. I have just completed my first degree courtesy of you, Marlou. I made it Marlou. I finished the race strong. It pains me most that you are leaving without me having the chance to celebrate my achievement born out of the sacrifice and opportunity you gave me. It will surely feel empty without you around but a mark of your love will give me warmth in this time. May your soul rest in perfect peace. Roopi

  • 2022-03-06 20:45:02 View / Comment (1)

    Hilary Parmenter

    Dear Peter, Helen and Joachim. Sunday evening here in Cork, and we're thinking of you at this sad time, as we will be tomorrow when your beloved Marlou is laid in her final resting place. She was such a lovely woman. We were really shocked and saddened to hear of her passing. I managed to contact Dermot McClean, now spending most of his time in Malawi, though his home is in Ireland. He asked us to pass on his condolences. We have such great memories of our times together in Zim. Marlou is always at the centre of those memories, her energy, her lovely smile, her sense of fun. And her caring nature, never more evident than the night at Hippo Pools when that animal invaded our party. We are so glad of the time we had together with Helen and Marlou here in Ireland a few years ago, never realising it would be our last time in her lovely company. We treasure the memory even more, now that she is gone. We pray that you will find the strength to get through the coming days and weeks, together. With love from Paddy, Hilary, Eoin, Laura and Ciaran.

  • 2022-03-06 20:18:19 View / Comment (0)
  • 2022-03-06 20:24:25 View / Comment (0)

    Hilary Parmenter

    Lake Alex, Mutare, Zimbabwe.

  • 2022-03-06 19:20:59 View / Comment (0)
    Edwin Rap

    Edwin Rap

    Edwin Rap

    Marlou leerde ik vooral door anderen kennen. Van Horacia, een Mexicaanse vriendin hoorde ik wel eens over haar vriendin Marlou. In Mexico woonden ze een tijdje samen in hetzelfde huis in de omgeving van het onderzoeksproject van Norman Long. Iemand vertelde mij hoe Marlou en Horacia samen gingen filmen hoe de lokale cacique Zuñiga de ongeletterde suikerrietarbeiders bedonderde bij het uitbetalen van hun geleverde arbeid. Zuñiga vond dat niet zo leuk en liet zijn bewakers hen wegjagen. Pas de laatste jaren kwam ik Marlou vaker tegen op feestjes, promoties of bij hen thuis. Tijdens een bezoek aan Pieter, toen hij net uit het ziekenhuis was gekomen, kocht ik bloemen voor Marlou, omdat ik geweldig vond wat zij allemaal voor hem deed. Alleen in de haast en chaos van het vertrekken naar het station, liet ik ze thuis bij de uitgang liggen en kwam daar in de trein pas achter. Stom, stom, maar ook wel grappig. In Delft zei ik tegen Marlou: Ik heb bloemen voor je gekocht, maar ik heb ze thuis laten liggen. “Ja, wat heb ik daar nou aan?”, zei ze, met haar karakteristieke directheid. Ja niks, natuurlijk, dacht ik. Dus toen ik enkele maanden daarna weer langs ging nam ik een nieuwe mooie bos mee. Alleen toen ik bij hen aankwam was Marlou er niet. Ik was druk met Pieter aan het werk en nadien liep hij met me mee richting het station. Het gekke was dat ik nog steeds met die bos in mijn hand liep. Net op de laatste hoek voor het station, langs de gracht, kwam Marlou volkomen onverwachts voorbij snellen op haar fiets. Pieter riep haar naam, ze remde en zette een voet aan de grond. Ik rende naar toe en gaf haar de bloemen, zonder veel woorden. Blij dat het gelukt was.

  • 2022-03-06 18:53:41 View / Comment (0)
    Pooja Prasad

    Pooja Prasad

    Pooja Prasad

    Dear Marlou, I got to know you only in the last one year or so when I moved to Delft. But even in the little time, I felt your warmth and exuberance. You and Pieter invited me home for dinner and we chatted for long about your early days – how you and Pieter met, who followed whom to which part of the world, how you raised the children in Africa before moving back to the Netherlands. You fed me delicious food and I promised to reciprocate with an Indian meal at a later time. Alas, that will never be. You reached out to me often and asked me to come over whenever I felt lonely in Delft. It is absolutely heart breaking to know that you are now gone. Your memory lives on in the heart of all the people whose life you have touched, including mine. Rest in peace, Marlou.

  • 2022-03-06 17:40:22 View / Comment (1)
    Hodson Makurira

    Hodson Makurira

    Hodson Makurira

    Great and fond memories I have for Marlou. We interacted well during their long stay in Zimbabwe and at the University of Zimbabwe. She attended many parties at IHE and one could easily mistake her for a fellow student. She fitted in well in any society. The van der Zaags hosted many gatherings at their house which was walking distance from the university. They looked after Ropi and Runyararo from birth. Obviously this great show of support would not have materialised if Marlou was not in full support. I stayed at their house in Delft for a few weeks when they went away on holiday. A very accommodating family. Last year when Pieter fell ill she asked me to communicate with her directly on all issues which Pieter would have dealt with me directly. That way support for education for Ropi and Runyararo went uninterrupted. She took so much care to see Pieter recover and now just departs without a chance for Pieter to reciprocate. Life is cruel. We hope you are in a better world now. Thanks for all you did which we will always cherish.

  • 2022-03-06 08:15:00 View / Comment (0)
    Joyeeta Gupta

    Joyeeta Gupta

    Joyeeta Gupta

    I have met Marlou several times when Pieter invited us home for an annual celebratory dinner. She was so incredibly hospitable, a fun person to talk to, humorous, cheerful, kind, and full of energy and life. When I heard last wednesday that she had passed away, it was so hard to believe, not least because my memory is of a healthy, happy person, and also because I know how important she was to Pieter and what good friends they were and how they relied on each other. Nothing one can say at such a moment can reduce the pain and shock that the family must feel at this moment. My prayers and thoughts are with you all at this time of sorrow and pain.

  • 2022-03-05 22:40:25 View / Comment (0)
    Jos Bult

    Jos Bult

    Jos Bult

    Mijn herinneringen aan Marlou zijn alleen maar fijn. Heb zoveel lol met haar gehad op feestjes op het IHE en bij jullie thuis. Ze was een mooie, lieve, eigenwijze, wijze, hartelijke, grappige en heel gastvrije en toegankelijke dame. Echt een wereldwijf, letterlijk en figuurlijk!

  • 2022-03-05 21:04:10 View / Comment (1)
    Hans Komakech

    Hans Komakech

    Hans Komakech

    A beautiful heart, full of joy and smiles, Marlou, your memories is forever. On so many occasions Marlou and Pieter welcomed us to their home, I have always enjoyed the discussion about my home district, incredible knowledge of Acholi. I still believe that you knew more about Kitgum than I did but again whenever there are friends from Zimbabwe, your accent would change to reflect the deep understanding of Harare and the local traditions of Zimbabwe. It seems Africa, the people and its tradition was just part of you. I remember all these just like it was yesterday, and yet here I am trying to say thank you so much while at the same time holding back tears. You may not be with us but your have a beautiful family in Pieter, Heleen and Jochem, they are your beacon. Go well Marlou, we will always remember you. Hans

  • 2022-03-05 18:04:05 View / Comment (0)

    Margreet Zwarteveen

    Ik herinner me Marlou vooral ...dansend! Het was altijd super fijn om Marlou tegen te komen op feestjes met muziek, want dan konden we samen dansen. Hoe meer trommels en Afrikaanse ritmes, hoe groter de uitbundigheid en vrolijkheid. Ik herinner me Marlou ook van hoe ze was afgelopen jaar, toen Pieter opeens in het ziekenhuis lag. Geschrokken en angstig, natuurlijk, maar vooral ook enorm kranig, doortastend en zichzelf voorbereidend op het moeten nemen van misschien moeilijke beslissingen. En ik ken Marlou uit de verhalen van Pieter. Loutje. Met zoveel liefde uitgesproken dat er geen ruimte is voor twijfel over de enorm bijzondere band tussen die twee. Ook ik zal Marlou missen. Margreet

  • 2022-03-05 10:18:46 View / Comment (0)
    Koos Neefjes

    Koos Neefjes

    Koos Neefjes

    R.I.P. Marlou. Ik leerde je kennen in Wageningen via Pieter natuurlijk want jullie waren een stel, maar al snel werd duidelijk dat Marlou haar eigen geluid heeft. Altijd geëngageerd, geïnteresseerd, ondervragend en ook graag je ideeën delend. Onze levens sindsdien werden geleefd op verschillende continenten, maar af en toe was er dan weer dat contact, en snel diepgaand. Ik weet nog toen onze kinderen klein waren en we jullie es opzochten in Nederland, waar je MQ en ML overweldigde met prachtige knuffels. Wat waren ze blij! En aan de tafel hier in Hanoi een paar jaar later, met veel praten, lachen en hartelijkheid. En nog kortgeleden, in augustus in West-Friesland toen je lange gesprekken had met de inmiddels opgegroeide MQ en ML, waar je weer die betrokkenheid uitstraalde. Prachtig. Je was een prachtig mens, Marlou, en het was mijn privilege je gekend te hebben. Koos.

  • Themba Gumbo 2022-03-08 16:38:50 wrote:

    Marlou, was not only a wife, mother, vibrant nutritionist and family friend. She encompassed the whole of a brave Dutch lady who embraced different cultures head on. The early years in Zimbabwe, Pieter used to commute to Mutare and she will reciprocate week in week out till she moved to Harare. We thought Pieter's semi-bachelor will end and the regular drinks will stop flowing from No. 6 Mount Pleasant Drive, Harare. But alas! Marlou was more of a socialite and peoples person. She even had a good grasp of Shona (main language in Zimbabwe). Once she introduced me to a host of artist and writers at The Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) one of Africa's largest arts festivals. Previously I did not have much interest in HIFA. Always on her big bicycle, after hours riding up Mount Pleasant, she will stop and say come by our house later for drinks. She carried the spirit of UBUNTU (Nguni Bantu term meaning "humanity") back to Delft were we always felt welcome especially us Zimbabweans. We would roast meat, eat pap, drink, share and reminisce till the chickens came to roost. So long, Marlou, sorely missed!

    Themba Gumbo 2022-03-08 16:38:50 wrote: Marlou, was not only a wife, mother, vibrant nutritionist and family friend. She encompassed the whole of a brave Dutch lady who embraced different cultures head on. The early years in Zimbabwe, Pieter used to commute to Mutare and she will reciprocate week in week out till she moved to Harare. We thought Pieter's semi-bachelor will end and the regular drinks will stop flowing from No. 6 Mount Pleasant Drive, Harare. But alas! Marlou was more of a socialite and peoples person. She even had a good grasp of Shona (main language in Zimbabwe). Once she introduced me to a host of artist and writers at The Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA) one of Africa's largest arts festivals. Previously I did not have much interest in HIFA. Always on her big bicycle, after hours riding up Mount Pleasant, she will stop and say come by our house later for drinks. She carried the spirit of UBUNTU (Nguni Bantu term meaning "humanity") back to Delft were we always felt welcome especially us Zimbabweans. We would roast meat, eat pap, drink, share and reminisce till the chickens came to roost. So long, Marlou, sorely missed!

    Comments (1)

    • Jochem van der Zaag Anonymous user 09-03 2022 07:01

      Thank you so much Themba for your kind words!

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