Moeder van bbb-leidster Caroline van der Plas overleden na zware hersenbloeding
Den Haag, zaterdag, 6 juni 2026.
De moeder van Caroline van der Plas, Nuala van der Plas-Fitzpatrick, is op 87-jarige leeftijd overleden. Ze bezweek aan de gevolgen van een zware hersenbloeding. Van der Plas deelde het nieuws op social media. Ze sprak van een ongelooflijk sterke vrouw. Haar moeder was zelf actief in de politiek. Tussen 1986 en 1994 was ze wethouder in Deventer. Die stad is ook de thuishaven van haar dochter. Van der Plas en haar broer waakten dagenlang bij het bed. Ze zijn dankbaar voor de tijd die ze nog hadden. De band tussen moeder en dochter was uitermate hecht. Politiek engagement raakte hen beiden. De rouwperiode wordt in alle rust doorlopen.
personal loss in political family
Caroline van der Plas, former leader of BBB, confirmed the death of her mother, Nuala van der Plas-Fitzpatrick, on Friday. She passed away at age 87 following a severe brain hemorrhage. Van der Plas shared the news on X, expressing deep gratitude for the time spent together during her mother’s final days [1]. The post drew widespread condolences from colleagues and citizens alike [3].
political roots in deventer
Nuala van der Plas-Fitzpatrick served as alderwoman for the CDA in Deventer from 1986 to 1994. Her political career left a lasting impression on local governance. Born in Ireland, she became deeply embedded in the community life of Deventer [2]. This city remains the residence of her daughter, who followed her path into public service [1]. Their bond extended beyond family ties into shared civic values [GPT].
close collaboration before farewell
After the brain hemorrhage on Friday, prospects were described as poor by Van der Plas earlier in the week [1]. She paused parliamentary duties to care for her mother alongside her brother. They maintained constant vigil at her bedside until her peaceful passing [2]. The family emphasized feeling fortunate to have expressed everything needed in those final moments [1][3].
symbolic presence in pivotal moments
Nuala regularly attended key political milestones in her daughter’s career. Notably, she celebrated onstage during the 2023 Provincial States elections when BBB emerged as the largest party nationally [1]. Footage from a Videoland documentary reveals how she supported Van der Plas through personal fears about leadership stability within her own party [1]. Emotional strength and loyalty defined their relationship publicly and privately [GPT].
transition period for bbb leadership
Earlier in February 2026, Van der Plas stepped down as party and parliamentary leader of BBB, succeeded by Henk Vermeer [3]. At the time, she stated this would allow her to amplify rural voices without the burden of leadership [3]. Despite this transition, she continues serving as a Member of Parliament. The current mourning period proceeds quietly, without official announcements regarding funeral arrangements [alert! ‘funeral date not disclosed’].