Tilly Van Egmond, age 61, passed away November 30 at her home in Draper, Utah. She was Born August 24,1960 in Oskaloosa, Iowa to Cor (deceased) and Stien Van Egmond.Tilly is survived by her two sons, Zebulon Alexander Van Hoffman and Zendan Cornelius James Van Hoffman. Her siblings include Neal, Chris, Maria (deceased), Margo, Veronica, Rose, John and Nick. Tilly’s nieces and nephews include Billie, Keli, Mike, Brian, Liz, William, Kaleena, Kelsey, Dalton, Jaelyn, Adam, Aaron, Austin and Abby. She has numerous cousins from Canada, New York, PA, TN, and the Netherlands.
Never was there a more vibrant personality as Tilly’s; to say she lit up a room is an understatement! Memories of that contagious ear to ear smile of hers are still illuminating for those who knew her. From her early years on, Tilly was a builder. As a youngster she liked to build treehouses ….complete with toilets of course, she and Diane hauled one up a tree in Oskaloosa once….’cause if its worth doing, do it right!
Tilly went on to do college right; from Iowa State University where she walked-on and received a basketball scholarship to Central University of Iowa where she had the pleasure of playing with her little sister Rose. She dabbled in track and field, volleyball too, but her passion was basketball and she took much pride in her role as an athlete and leader on campus. Later in life she poured herself into building up people and relationships. She came to Utah and worked with Job Corps of America helping troubled youth through classes and sports. Soon after, she began her teaching career as a Biology teacher at Highland Highschool. Her students often say she was their favorite and most memorable teacher. Hard to forget bringing her placenta in a mason jar into Biology class…but the students adored her for it, they had gone through her full pregnancy with her and learned a LOT! Her uncanny ability to get to someone else's level and break through is unmatched.
Eventually Tilly found her true calling occupationally in Real Estate. She could work on her “tree houses” and people. She took much pride and care in her properties and her tenants. They were a reflection of everything she stood for: community, care, initiative and integrity. Tilly has helped so many folks connect; there are strong friendships, relationships and even marriages due to Tilly bringing people together. She collected odd things and odd people and so cherished them all.
The littlest things pleased Tilly so much; of course jewelry was top of the list but even Mardi Gras beads from a friend made her happy. She loved dressing up and had her own fun, funky fabulous style. Some of her most favorite times were on the road with her boys Zeb and Zen. A good long road trip to see family and friends always excited Tilly. She cherished the alone time and the beautiful scenery of landscapes whether that be corn and bean fields in Iowa or beautiful fall colors in the mountains, she soaked it all up.
Tilly will be missed by all who knew her for her morals, quick wit, kind & compassionate spirit, honesty and shear love of life.
Memorial and Celebration of Tilly will be held Saturday, December 11th at Larkin Sunset Gardens (1950 E. 10600 S. Sandy Utah, 84092). Public viewing is from 12pm -1:30pm, Service to begin at 2:00pm followed directly by Interment.
Due to recent upticks in COVID related illnesses and deaths the family has requested that those who are attending the services please wear masks and practice social distancing.
To view completed services click on the "Watch Services" button above or one the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/ZetRupggttsLWmGkZSD5iiCH7QIdJxMyhn03PE2CJ5OFQIjLGGj4tAV_B-pMxiZc.pdNLL0ha7QiMN66W?startTime=1639254708000
Tilly's brightness will remain in all the lives that she touched, a role model to follow and cherish.
Oh Tilly, or class reunions will never be the same! You had so much spunk for life and it is so hard to believe you are gone. Sending hugs and prayers to your family, especially to your sons.
My deepest sympathy to Tilly’s family. So hard to believe that she is no longer with us. She will be dearly missed by all that knew her. We will miss her at the Oskaloosa Class of 1978 reunions, the fun & laughter with her presence will never be the same.
I went to High School with Tilly and her sister Rose and played basketball with them...although never as well. I dont think Tilly ever realized how many people looked up to her as a role model and friend. She was always kind, encouraging with her beautiful smile. She obviously touched many lives, and we are blessed for it. Prayers for comfort and peace to her sons, her family. May you always remember the sunshine she brought into your lives.
Oh my sweet and dear Tilly, I cannot imagine not having you there with Danny, Isaac, Natalie and Dave and I and going out and having fun. We’re in our condo because of you. What I’ll miss most are the lunches and our long talks we had about so many aspects of life. Oh I will cherish that as long as I live. You are so missed! Until we meet again, I’m sending you love and will be thinking of you often. Love, Cynthia
Sending prayers of comfort to Zeb, Zen and all of Tilly’s family and friends. I still can’t believe you are gone, Tilly. I have so many memories that I will cherish forever. R.I.P. you beautiful Angel.
I will miss your sweet smile and amazing laugh! You brought the Sunshine into the room when you entered. I am grateful to have known you in this life, Tilly and Will surely find you in Heaven where ever there is joy and laughter…Thank you for gracing my life and all who’s life you touched. We love you forever.
Very sad to hear this. Condolences to the Van Egmond family from me and the Collison family. Thoughts and prayers for you.
Tilly's bright light will forever endure in my heart and the heart of so many. She was just so ebullient and beautiful inside and out. A true heart of Gold. I was so fortunate to meet and share life at times with this wonderful person while working at Stonebrook Real Estate. It is hard to imagine earthy
life without Tilly's genuine self. Our Father In Heaven must have needed her to shine her light to all in Heaven. I will miss her sorely forevermore. May our Lord bless her wonderful sons and all family in their grief at this time and always.
Lovingly yours,
Paricia McCauley
John Rose Neil and family we are so sorry for your loss may she r i p and may God wrap his loving arms around you all during this difficult time
Your friends
Tim and Kim
Zen and Zeb,
We are very saddened to hear of Tilly’s passing. She had a very generous and caring spirit. Our thoughts are with you.
Leslie, Joe and Jax Flick
Tilly was a fun and supportive friend. She was my yoga partner for over 2 months and we almost went every single day. She whipped me into shape. She was always up for an adventure. She was also a very good listener. She was outward focused and would always ask probing questions to get me to open up. I wish I was more like her and will take all the things that I love about her and try to emulate them. Her ripple will live on in me and all those that she loved. Peace to your family and may your memories with her bring you joy and comfort.
so sorry for your loss such s sweet person
Tilly and I worked together at realty executives years ago. Always loved her smile and upbeat personality.
I ran into her again hiking this past year. We had great conversation that changed my life. she always beamed when she talked about her boys.. Im so sorry shes gone from this earth... but still here in our hearts
I met Tilly when she went to Central, and yes she did light up the room when she walked in! I always wondered what happened to her. What a loss!
Tilly had a generous heart and a fun-loving spirit. She was ready at a moment’s notice for a night at the symphony, a concert at the state fair, or a hike. She knew how to mix it up with all ages and walks of life, putting their interests above hers. I will dearly miss my sweet friend.
Tilly was a super,sweet and always happy girl. She will be missed. Condolences to her
Tilly had a way of making everyone feel like they were special even outcasts or people who feel like they were an outcast. She made you feel loved. She would drop what she was doing to help a friend in need. I think that’s why she was always running late! She had a special soul and we connected instantly upon meeting. She was always up for an adventure and she had a great deal of wisdom too. I’m not sure how I got through these past months and definitely owe a big amount of that to Tilly. She was there for me in some of my darkest and saddest times. I’ll never forget that. Her special soul will go on to create more miracles beyond what anyone can comprehend. She will always be with us. This I know. Love to all the family and friends who are experiencing her loss. She will forever be in all our hearts.
Many prayers and our sincere condolences for your entire family.
With Sympathy,
The Arthur Family 💜
I too graduated with Tilly in the Class of 78. About 10 of us gathered at the Riverside Restaurant the next morning after our 40 th reunion in 2018. I was one of the 10 and so was Tilly. She and a couple of others had been up all night. Not surprising. What a fun time that was. Going to miss you Tilly . What a beautiful service. Never have I heard so much love and admiration pour through everyone who spoke. I wish all of us who knew her could be at Club 90 with you tonight doing the Tilly twirl. God bless you Tilly for all of those you have been such a wonderful friend to. My condolences to all you have blessed with your life especially Zeb and Zen.
Zeb en Zen, our condolance with your mother. It is so sad that she is gone. We are her uncle and aunt from Holland. We have see her 40 years ago, she was here with your dad. We shall mis her.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. My worst regret is that I never got to spend more time with all of you over the years to really know your mom. I loved her and the times we were together she as so fun and full of life which makes it difficult to understand why God called her home at such a young age, some things we’ll never know. May God give you comfort as you live on and cherish the memories you shared with your mom, she was so beautiful and so proud of both of you, she would only want you to move and make her proud of the paths you choose in life. She’s your “Guardian Angel”. Live your lives to their fullest and be successful like you mom was. My heart breaks for you but be strong, I lost my mom at the age of you men, you can do it! Love Aunt Joan❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻🤗🤗
Zeb & Zen,
As you both know, your mom was one of the dearest friends I've ever been privileged to know & cherish in this life. She had so much love in her life, and would stay to the very last minute of every gathering to soak it up & share it with all who were willing to accept. Whether it was a party, or a deep phone conversation until 3 AM, she was there for you. She was truly a connector, & always showed up in life with a smile on her face, even if a tad bit beyond fashionably late. She was always forgiven though, as she had so many engagements, & would never say no to anyone who needed her. She always said, "Once you're my friend, you're my friend for life!" I only wish she had been late to her own funeral, as she truly honored her promise, and I can't imagine life without my FFL. She loved the two of you so much, & being your mom was her highest calling. She was so proud of both of you. It's been my privilege to watch you grow into amazing young men. My deepest condolences to you in having to take on this heavy task at such a young age. Tilly will always be smiling upon you.
Dearest Zen, we are so devastated to hear of your Mom’s passing. We loved having you for neighbors and knowing what great people you are. I loved taking care of your Mom’s plants when you were out of town…and she took care of ours. We are so proud of you, attending college and making a great life. Your Mom will be so proud! Peace and love to you and Zeb. We miss you.
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Tilly. She was one of the most vibrant and energetic people I have ever met. She has passed way too young and that is tragic. Her memory will live long for me and I’m sure for many others. Wishing her sons, brothers and sisters and extended family and friends as you cope with her sudden loss.
Tilly was a bright, shining light. And so kind. I will miss her.
Dearest Tilly, you silly girl. Your obituary was great, now I know how old you really are, because you were 29 for thirty years before you were 35 the rest of your life. But I am adding to your obit: among your many skills we should include Cocktail Waitress (how we met 41 years ago), bartender, teacher at a Catholic School in Dayton Ohio, then SLC . You were my Maid of Honor 27 years ago. Ski instructor and life long ski partner. Adventurer/explorer to places all over the world. Biology tutor for my kids when they needed help. Car mechanic, always tinkering with cars to keep them running! I could go on, we have spent nearly 4l Christmas’s together at your families, my families, stranded because of storms we missed our own family Christmas each once though we were together! Oh what fun! Pictures tell a thousand words and as I go through ours, I have endless stories for them. Your wedding was magical and you gave the world two beautiful sons that you loved and protected dearly. As you watch over them now, they will make you proud. Congratulations, you raised them well. My young granddaughter Tillie sent me a condolence message because she knew I was really sad, and she says you were the tall funny blond skinny girl around at Christmas. To me you were just Tilly, my cherished friend, I will miss you. RIP. Julie Slater
I still remember her pulling dead worms out of her pocket for dissection day in biology class. What a crack up!
I knew Tilly as Miss Van Egmond. She was the teacher that broke through to me and really saw me. She made a Profound difference in how I viewed myself. Her influence is still in my life. She signed my Yearbook... Stay in your Love Mode.... My wife Desarae says that to me weekly if not daily. I will cherish her in my Memories...
Hey Tilly & Tilly’s Family,
My Step-Mom is Julie Slater. When I was younger, Julie would light up talking about Tilly. She showed me a picture of them skiing in their bikinis. Ha! A few years ago, my Husband and I came back from LA to visit family in Iowa and were overjoyed that Tilly was a over at our house for Christmas morning. She was as bright as I remembered from the times I met her when I was a kid.. It was so great to get into conversations with her. My Husband really appreciated her. What a wonderful force of nature. Im grateful to have been touched by her bright light. My sincere condolences to the family and her dear Sons.
We are so so sorry for your incredible loss! Tilly will be so very missed by all of her family and friends. Thinking of you all and sending our love and prayers.
Dear Zeb and Zen: I am heartbroken over the untimely and unexpected passing of your mom Tilly. I already miss her beautiful smile and am grateful for having her in my life for 15 years or so. You young men were her top priority and she was so proud of the young men you have become. It was obvious from the many tributes paid to her how much she positively impacted all those she crossed paths with. I admired how she always took the high road in difficult situations. I will miss her infectious smile, positive energy and how genuine she was. It has taken me a while to process the shock of her loss but it was an honor and privilege to assist you in planning her beautiful service. I'm sure she would be very pleased and proud of the difficult decisions you had to make. We'll all be looking for those shiny signs from Heaven. She will be around you all the time so look for those signs. I will cherish her friendship forever. Love you Zeb and Zen. My sincere condolences to Tilly's large family.
I m so sad to find out that Tilly Van Egmond has passed away.
I was her student of her biology class in the highland high school 1996-1997.
We kept in touch even a few years later and I considered her a great person.
So her death was a big loss to her family and friends.
I m sure she could have lived much longer.
I am shocked and saddened. I remember how nice you were to me at Central. You made my freshman year so wonderful. I will never forget.
I was shocked and very saddened to read about Tilly's passing in the latest Central Alumni Bulletin. Although I was not in contact with her and hadn't been due to my own error and stupidity, I remember her very fondly.
Tilly was a gem. There is so much I remember about her.
First of all, I remember her zeal for life. She would try about anything, and she was usually successful at it. It was amazing!!! But it was also fascinating. I never understood how she could make everything look so easy!!?!!
Secondly, her sense of humor. She could make anything look fun,and her zeal for life was contagious. It was common to hear her get off a crack or make something funny out of almost anything. She was a lot of fun.
I also remember her genuine compassion. She could tease and sometimes get off a remark, but you never got an idea that she was being cruel or mean. She was just real and told it like it was. There is a big difference between the two.
She was always a good looking lady, but her major attractiveness was her character and personality. Although I know there are probably people around that didn't care for her (we all have them), I personally could never see how anyone couldn't.
One of my fondest memories of Tilly was when she went to the movie theater with me on one of my first dates and stayed. She did it to "help me over the hump", as she put it. She didn't have to do that. But it shows her genuine compassion for people.
She was unique. She was kind. She was real. She was loving. If you were a friend, you were a friend. Her capacity for love and reaching people where they were was incredible.
I don't know if anyone else will ever read this, but that is irrelevant. I NEED to write it.
If you're a relative or close friend you can be comforted by the fact that Tilly got more living, more loving, and more positive impact on people in her rather short life than the vast majority of us can ever dream about.
Personally, I cherish the memories I have. I wish I could have seen her and talked with her again, but it wasn't to be. I wish I could have reconciled with her. But even so, I remember not only my biggest crush in college, but a life loving delight of a human being that I consider it an honor to have known and been able to associate with as long as I was able. No one can take that away and I will love and remember her as one of the best people I have ever known.
Tilly, I love you and as long as I have my memory I always will. Thank you for being the goof, the fun lover, the life of the party, the class act, the helper and so many other things. GOD BLESS YOU forever and rest in peace.