Plan for the Future
Jean K. Ellmer, 89, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2021 at Sunrise Senior Living in Morris Plains, NJ. Jean was born on August 27, 1932 in Irvington, NJ. She was the third and youngest child of Peter and Theresa Miller.
Jean grew up in Irvington, attended St. Leo’s Grammar School and graduated from Irvington High School in 1950. Upon graduation, she worked at Prudential Insurance Company in Newark and shortly thereafter, at a CYO dance, she met the love of her life, Richard Ellmer. They were soon married on October 29, 1955. It was only fitting for her to be reunited with Richie on what would have been their 66th wedding anniversary.
Jean and Richie moved to Maplewood, NJ and raised six children. As her children grew older, Jean was employed by Seton Hall University where she worked in the library for more than 20 years. Seton Hall and the many people she worked with continued to hold a special place in her heart long after retirement.
Jean loved playing games. She regularly played Canasta with the ladies and enjoyed a monthly couples’ game of Michigan Rummy. Among her most treasured moments, however, were the times she spent with her grandchildren. Whether it was playing legendary games of Uno and Apples to Apples or organizing Easter egg hunts, the love could always be felt.
Over the years Jean enjoyed volunteering with St. Joseph’s Church, the Girl Scouts of America, Southern Ocean Medical Center, and the American Cancer Society, to name a few. Jean was an avid walker and an occasional cyclist who loved her classic green Schwinn. Her tastes were simple as she enjoyed most a cold beer and a grilled burger in the backyard with family and friends.
Richie and Jean moved to Forked River, NJ in 1996 where she lived until 2020. Jean and Richie enjoyed their time together in Forked River and forged many new and lasting friendships.
Jean is predeceased by her husband Richie and her oldest son, Richard Jr. (Ricky). She is survived by her children, Kenneth Ellmer (Linda), Kevin Ellmer, Margaret Newman (Matt), Michael Ellmer (Chris) and Gregory Ellmer (Kristen), Sue Ellmer (Rick’s surviving spouse), and her much loved grandchildren, Katie, Jim, Dan, Mackenzie, Ian, Kendall, Luke and Grace. Jean was also the proud great grandmother to Logan, Ethan and Travis.
All are welcomed to attend visitation at Bradley Funeral Home, 49 Whippany Road, Whippany on Tuesday, November 2, 4-8pm. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, November 3 at 10:00am at Notre Dame of Mt. Carmel Church, 70 Ridgedale Ave. Cedar Knolls, NJ
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the American Cancer Society, 7 Ridgedale Ave. Suite 103, Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927. To send the family a condolence, please visit, www.bradleyfuneralhomes.com.
