Willy Captein

Willy Captein, of Stillwater, NY, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 11, 2025, at Saratoga Hospital. She was 78.

Born on October 11, 1946, in Hoorn, The Netherlands, Willy was the daughter of the late Petrus and Helena (Hoogland) Koedooder. At the age of 10, she emigrated with her family to Brazil, where she attended Colegio de Santa Ines in São Paulo. In her early twenties, she returned to The Netherlands to work at the Brazilian Embassy. In 1974, she married Jacobus (Jaap) Captein, and together they made their home in Saratoga County.

Willy was the heart of Captein Dairy in Stillwater, where she raised three children while milking cows daily, managing a household, and cultivating a flourishing garden. Amidst her many responsibilities, she also earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Empire State College. She was an active member of the Fortnightly Club of Stillwater. In addition, she was a lifelong lover of language and a curious learner who enjoyed word games and encouraged those around her to join in. Her penmanship was meticulous and beautiful—an art form in itself that reflected her attention to detail and care in all things.

Her Delft blue kitchen was a favorite gathering place, where friends and family often stopped by for coffee, butter cookies, and her warm hospitality.

Willy was predeceased by her brothers Wim and Nico.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Jaap, and their children: Leny Jo (Dana), Petra (Bill), and Niek (Diane); as well as her cherished grandchildren: Nathan, Riley, Luke, and Matthew. She is also survived by her siblings Tiny, Theo, and Peter, along with extended family and friends across the United States and around the world.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the teams at Wilton Urgent Care, Wilton EMS, and Saratoga Hospital for their compassion and care.

Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, invite your friends over for a cup of coffee, a delicious baked good, and as the Dutch would say, some gezelligheid.

Online remembrances may be shared at www.chasesmithfamily.com