AGIJA VANDERWIEL

ALBANY – Agija VanDerwiel, 46, of Albany, passed away suddenly on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Albany Medical Center. She was the beloved wife of Aaron Pieter VanDerwiel and devoted mother to her cherished sons, Addison Pieter and Anderson Janis.

Born on April 30, 1979, in Sigulda, Latvia, Agija was the daughter of Modris and Beatrise (Rostoka) Lembergs. Her strong work ethic, compassion, and love of learning took root at an early age. At 19, she immigrated to the United States in 1999, arriving as an au pair for a family in Altamont, NY—an experience that marked the beginning of a life devoted to education, service, and community.

Agija pursued her passion for learning with determination and pride, earning her associate's degree from Schenectady County Community College, her bachelor's degree from The College of Saint Rose, and her master's degree from The University at Albany all while holding a full-time job in order to put herself through school. She dedicated her professional career to the Albany City School District, where she began as an elementary teacher at North Albany Academy.

It was there that Agija formed lifelong bonds with mentors and friends, including Linda Schechter and her late husband Larry, whom Agija lovingly referred to as "Aunt Linda" or her "U.S. Mom." She also developed a deep friendship with Jeff Gilchrist, who became like a brother to her and would later serve as godfather to both of her sons.

Agija met her husband Aaron in Albany at The Big House, and together they built a life centered on family, love, and shared dreams. Outside of her work and family, she found joy in gardening, traveling—especially beach destinations—and her calling as an educator. Her students were a constant source of pride, and she brought patience, warmth, and dedication into every classroom she entered.

Above all else, Agija was a loving mother, whose world revolved around her children. Her kindness, resilience, and selfless spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

In addition to her husband, sons, parents and many friends and colleagues, Agija is survived by: her five siblings Evija Lemberga, Luize (Elliot) Machin, Kristine Lemberga, Loreta Lemberga, and Vilnis Lembergs; her grandmothers Skaidrite Rostoka and Vija Velta Lemberga; her mother and father-in-law Albert and Mary Lou VanDerwiel; her sister-in-law Mary Kathryn (James) Smith; as well as nieces and nephews Gustavs Drikis, Megija Sarkane, Luize Lemberga, Lote Lemberga, and Arianna Smith. Also survived by several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Agija's family on Sunday, January 11th, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at The Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, 149 Old Loudon Rd., Latham. A brief prayer service led by Rev. Dennis Tamburello, O.F.M. will conclude the services.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donation made in Agija's memory to either Operation Smile at www.operationsmile.org or RISSE (Refugee & Immigrant Support Services of Emmaus, Inc.) at www.risse-albany.org.

Please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com for additional information or to leave a message of condolence for the family.