Who is Toos van der Valk?
The leading lady of the family
Toos van der Valk was born in 1930 in Delft. She grew up with her parents and 2 sisters. Since her engagement to Gerrit van der Valk, Toos has been inextricably linked to the history of the Van der Valk family. Together with her husband, she was part of the entrepreneurial family that was at the foundation of the growth of Van der Valk Hotels & Restaurants. Although her name became well-known among many Dutch people due to the kidnapping in 1982, her story goes beyond that event. Toos van der Valk played an important role within the family and the development of one of the best-known family businesses in the Netherlands.
Gerrit & Toos van der Valk
1948
Toos van de Cappelle and Gerrit van der Valk met each other during a chance encounter in Amsterdam in the summer of 1948. The then seventeen-year-old Toos was on a cycling trip with a friend to Amsterdam when an open convertible with two young men caught their attention. One of them was Gerrit van der Valk. What began as a spontaneous acquaintance grew into a close relationship. After dating for several years, Toos and Gerrit married in 1953 and built their future together within the Van der Valk family.
Family, entrepreneurship, and resilience
1954
Toos van der Valk played an important role within her family and the world of Van der Valk. Together with Gerrit, she had multiple children, while she remained actively involved in the family business. Hospitality was deeply woven into her daily life; at home, the door was always open for family, friends, and employees. Despite impactful events in her life, she remained known for her decisiveness, involvement, and strong family sense. For many within the Van der Valk family, Toos was a connecting force who always considered others and prioritized the importance of family. Her life story reflects the values that made Van der Valk great: hard work, hospitality, and a close family bond.
The kidnapping
1982
An event that made the name Toos van der Valk permanently known was her kidnapping in November 1982. The case attracted a lot of attention from the Dutch media at the time and occupied the country for weeks.
After visiting her daughter, Toos was kidnapped from her home in the evening by Italian criminals. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of 30 million guilders. The family assembled a team to conduct negotiations. During that time, Toos was tied up in a tent in a dark room somewhere in Brussels.
During the transfer, Toos was blindfolded and placed in a car, only to be left behind in a park in Eindhoven. Nearly 3 weeks after her disappearance, Gerrit was able to hold his Toos in his arms again.
The kidnapping became one of the most talked-about crimes of the 1980s. Due to the great public interest and extensive coverage, the case became part of Dutch history. Even years later, this event is periodically reflected upon.
Her life after the kidnapping
A connecting force
After the 1982 kidnapping, Toos van der Valk remarkably resumed her life with strength. Although the event left a deep impression, she continued to focus on her family and the world of Van der Valk. Together with Gerrit, she split her time between the Netherlands, Austria, and Switzerland, always keeping family central. Even in difficult periods, including personal losses within the family, Toos remained known for her involvement, perseverance, and care for others. For her, family, togetherness, and hospitality always came first. These values made her an important connecting force within the Van der Valk family.
Toos speaking
Energetic grandmother and great-grandmother
Toos van der Valk can look back on a rich yet eventful life. With her husband Gerrit (1928-2009), she stood as a top entrepreneur at the foundation of the family business Van der Valk Hotels & Restaurants. She grew into one of the most well-known businesswomen of her generation. We spoke to her amidst several of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Curious about the interview?