Marijke Byck-Hoenselaars received the Linda Rayner Award, the premier local award for Community Service, from the Volunteer Center of Sonoma County at its Annual Volunteer Recognition Event. Mrs. Byck was nominated by the Konocti Council of Girls Scouts and Catholic Charities in addition to the Task Force for the Homeless. The award was presented posthumously at a luncheon at the Vineyard Inn on April 5th, where Gaye LeBaron was the keynote speaker. The Byck family was in attendance and Dr. Walter Byck expressed gratitude for the Marijke personally offered food, shelter, and assistance to individuals on a regular and irregular basis. She spent half a day a week directly helping people who were living on the edge, and contributed as well through her dedicated service for many years on the Boards of the Task Force and Catholic Charities.

She helped innumerable organizations, including the Task Force, by hosting their fundraising events at Paradise Ridge Winery, often providing event planning and financial support to the groups she hosted. She was active in St. Eugene’s Parish and lived a life governed by deep moral principles, and by the love of family, the arts, and humanity. Marijke Byck-Hoenselaars was an incredible asset in our community, and her example continues to light our way. Many of her family, friends and colleagues are finding new direction in asking the question: What would Marijke do?