Schenectady - Anneke (Johanna) Bull, born in Velsen, the Netherlands, to Herman and Maria Schenk, died on January 24, 2026, at 85. Anneke studied at the Gymnasium Felisenum in Velsen and the University of Amsterdam in the Netherlands and the Sorbonne in Paris, France.

Anneke was known for her generosity, care for the community, desire to educate, advocacy for the underserved, and enriching the lives of those around her. Speaking 5 languages fluently, and having lived and traveled in many places around the world, she also brought a multicultural and inclusive lens to everything she engaged in.

Anneke was an active member of the community since moving to Schenectady and the GE Realty Plot in1969. Her volunteer engagements were extensive, and often celebrated Schenectady's Dutch roots, including the Urban Cultural Park/Schenectady Heritage Area, Schenectady County Library, and Schenectady County Historical Society, particularly the Mabee Farm. She was a founding member of the Dutch Horlepiep Dancers and brought Dutch food and specialty beer every year to the Schenectady Museum's Festival of Nations. She also helped in building the replica ship "Half Moon". She was appointed by the Mayor of Schenectady to serve on the Schenectady-Nijkerk Council, was a long-time member of the New Netherland Institute, and a founding member and trustee of the Colonial Schenectady Project.

Anneke was an educator at heart. She was instrumental in the establishment and growth of Schenectady's Brown School, including serving as school principal. She also served as an adjunct professor of Dutch at SUNY Albany and tutored throughout the years.

After her husband suffered a stroke, Anneke became a strong community advocate for stroke patients at Sunnyview Hospital, forming the Post Stroke Support Group. She also served as the Chairwoman of the Schenectady Family Health Services Foundation Board, now Hometown Health Centers, and was honored with their Community Leadership Award.

Anneke dedicated countless hours connecting the community via the local television station, SACC-TV, where she was a member, president and host of Schenectady Today. She served on the Board of the International Center of the Capital Region which "welcomes the world to the Capital Region" and was recognized as a Local-Global Community Leader. She volunteered with the Schenectady Board of Elections. She was a member of the Business and Professional Women's Association for over twenty years and awarded BPW Woman of the Year in 2008. She also served on the board of numerous not-for-profit organizations as Treasurer.

Anneke is pre-deceased by her husband, George N Bull, Jr, and survived by her son, George N Bull III and daughter-in-law Joanna Bull; her daughter, Marlies Bull; and her grandchildren, George N Bull IV and Imogen Bull, whom she adored. She is also survived by her younger siblings in the Netherlands; Han (Ank) Schenk, Bernice Schenk, and Leo Schenk (Heleen Veldhuis) and many nieces and nephews, as well as Barbara Norris, Tom Doyle and Andrew Doyle in the Baltimore and DC area.

Anneke will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and everyone whose lives she touched.

A memorial service will be held at the Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan St in Schenectady on Saturday, 7 February from 3-5pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to WMHT.