Hi I'm Dave Valliant and we were neighbors for many years in MD. Probably for 10 years Willem and I were the best of friends. I'm sorry to say that we have lost touch over the years but have many great childhood memories. I was always at there home playing tag, baseball, football and Tarzan in the woods behind there house. I spent many sleepovers the and Mrs. deGroot was always the kindest adult I knew. It funny how time dulls your memory but there are always people who leave lasting impressions on you. She was one of those people. I know she is in Heaven watching over Willem, Mary Ann and Derek. I'm so sorry for the loss but the memory will last a life time. Take care Willem, Mary Ann and Derek. Time is the only thing that can help heal the sadness.