Drusilla Drake Riley van Hengel, a resident of Scarborough and Fishers Island, NY, passed away peacefully among family on January 5th, 2026. Dru was a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was born in Montreal, Québec on November 23, 1926 to George Courtenay Riley and Mary Drusilla Riley (née Flather). Dru was raised in Hudson, Québec and in England. She graduated from McGill University with a Bachelor of Social Work and began her professional career, centered on providing counseling to young pregnant women, at Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal.

Dru married Maarten van Hengel (1927-2006) on December 1, 1951. They shared 55 beautiful years, four children, lifelong friendships, dozens of adventures, and countless dogs.

She shared her lifelong love of travel with her family, with whom she made many trips. These included travel to Canada and Europe to nurture inter-generational family relationships as well as active vacations to all seven continents. At home, her calendar was packed with volunteer service, get-togethers with treasured friends, and devoted time with her family. But Dru always found time for walks at Rockwood Hall or Rockefeller State Park. Her favorite routes had views of the water.

For the last 25 years, Dru was a member of All Saints' Church in Briarcliff, where she was frequently a lector. For many years before that, she was a member of the former Saint Mary's Church in Scarborough. At St. Mary's, she served on the Vestry and led the restoration of the John Bolton stained-glass windows.

Dru was dedicated to improving her community through volunteer leadership positions at, among other organizations, the Junior League, Kids Club of Tarrytown & Sleepy Hollow, Phelps Memorial Hospital, St. Faith's House Foundation, Tarrytown YMCA, The Thursday Club, Westchester Community Foundation, and Westchester Family Services.

Until recently, her hobbies included sailing, tennis, golfing, puzzles, and going for walks. Her other great loves include dogs, eagles, houseplants, bird watching, and gardens. She made the best brownies the world ever knew.

Dru was predeceased by her husband, Maarten; her brother, George C. Riley; and her parents. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Maarten and Claudia van Hengel of Greenwich, CT and Fishers Island, NY; Ginny and John Loughlin of Ossining; Hugh and MaryAnn van Hengel of Croton on Hudson; and Drusilla van Hengel and Ted Mitchell of Washington, D.C.; five grandchildren and their spouses: Peter and Stephanie van Hengel, Christina and Charles Miller, Katherine and Lauren van Hengel, Emily Loughlin and Tyler Willis, and Riley Patlak; four great-grandchildren: Elizabeth, Chloe, Stella, and Brielle; and many nieces and nephews.

Her family asks that you go out and look at the night sky in her memory. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations of time, talent, or treasure to the following organizations dearest to her: Phelps Memorial Hospital (https://phelps.northwell.edu/get-involved/ways-to-give), All Saints' Church (https://www.allsaintsbriarcliff.org/giving.html), or Kids Club of Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow (https://www.kidsclubtarrytown.org/donate-now/).

Please join Dru's family on Tuesday, March 24 at 2pm at All Saints' Church (201 Scarborough Rd, Briarcliff Manor, NY) for a celebration of her life, followed by a reception. Interment will be private.