This memorial website was created in memory of our unconditionally loved Eleanor Wernerspach, born on May 8, 1942 and passed away on November 2, 2018. She was the loving partner of Raymond H. Peters for over 40 years, and she resided with him in Howell, NJ.
Eleanor is survived by her son, Vincent Wernerspach, his domestic partner Rebecca Slutter, her three step-children: Toni Baldanzi and husband Steven, Andrew Peters and partner Michael, Jessica Nathan and husband Scott, and her grandchildren: Matthew, Brienna, Chase, Alex, Joseph, and Cooper.
She also is survived by her daughter Linda Obriwin, three grandchildren: Kayln, Keith and Gerald, and also four great-grandchildren.
She is also survived by her sisters Ruthy and Carol and by her brothers Phillip and Edward along with many nieces and nephews.
Eleanor was predeceased by her mother Dorothy, her father Walter, her sister Peggy, her brothers: Walter 1, Walter 2, Bob and Bill, her "Aunt" Helen and nephews, Thomas and Michael.
Eleanor known as "Elly" to most, "Grandma" to a few and "Mom" to fewer, was a loyal partner and loving mother and grandmother. Her favorite thing was to spend time with her children and her grandchildren. She was proud of each of them for their accomplishments.
Elly enjoyed her free time mostly with Ray riding motorcycles, attending car shows, visiting friends and neighbors and taking yearly trips to Wildwood, Lake George and Macungie.
She loved to play solitaire, crossword puzzles, lottery, scratch off tickets and the occasional trip of chance to Atlantic City. She also loved to watch Let's Make a Deal, The Price is Right, The Beast, Cash Cab and Family Feud especially with Ray, Vincent and other family members.
Eleanor worked for decades as a superb nurse's aid at Pineland and Bartley Nursing Homes. In fact spent most all of her life giving to and caring for others. She was selfless in her actions for the benefit of her family members, friends, co-workers and patients. She looked at each day as a new opportunity to help someone and she would always put others needs before her own. It seems that she was able to help others more than they collectively could help her. She set a high bar for the standard of being a true and genuine human being.
In memory of Elly, (Mom, Grandma, Sister, Aunt, Friend, Co-worker or Aquaintance) our hope is that each person that she has touched, pays forward her selflessness to help and care for others.
Eleanor's strength, determination and steadfast love is the gift that she has left for all of us. Join us in cherishing and keeping her with us forever.
VIEWING
Tuesday, November 6, 2018
4-7 p.m.
Lakewood Funeral Home
FUNERAL SERVICE
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
10 a.m.
Lakewood Funeral Home
BURIAL
Atlantic View Cemetery
49 Forest Ave., Manasquan, NJ
Tributes
Leave a tribute-Vincent
I have only known you a short time through Brienna and Vinny but within that time there were a few things that were evident. 1. You can make a delicious lasagna. I spent a holiday with your family and I could tell that lasagna was truly something you enjoyed making because it was for the people you cherish the most. I could tell that being with your family enjoying a meal was something that made the holidays for you, and I’m so grateful that I could witness this and be a part of this. 2. You were a huge loving support system for your family. You seemed to always encourage your family to pursue the things they love. Brienna, Vinny, and I sang Christmas carols to you and Ray one night. I knew in that moment that Christmas Caroling was a product of your encouraging words and support to first Vinny and then Brienna to do the things they love. I also see this with Chase and Matt, as they are pursing the things the love. 3. You truly loved your family unconditionally, they were your world. I have know the Wernerspach’s to be very family oriented. That was imprinted by your unconditional love for your family. Elly, my life is impacted by your life and I thank you dearly for that. God bless you.
With much love,
Jamela
Love,
Vincent, Matthew, Brienna and Chase
Your love and support will never go unnoticed or unappreciated. For the past 22 years you have made impacts on my life that others could never have. I’m so grateful for everything we’ve done and every moment we’ve had together. In the beginning when we lived together it was smaller things in life like watching you stand at the mailbox waiting for our bus in the pouring rain while Brie and I waited under the front overhang; or cooking us breakfast and dinner almost daily; or playing solitaire together. When we moved it became bigger events such as holidays, parties, or vacations that paint pictures in my mind. Thankfully, I worked with Dad and was able to see you more often. From these later years I think about us going to Atlantic City since I was finally able to do your favorite activity, gambling. Of course I will always cherish those memories of just casually showing up and watching tv with you and Pop before and after work, and sleeping over once in a while just to do it. You were always a big part of my life and will continue to be. I love you Grandma. Thank you.
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God Bless and much love ,your nephew Michael Borys
It is difficult to believe that exactly one week ago today that you took your last breath while I held your left hand at your bedside.
The experience was circumstancially both dreadful and beautiful. The sadness I felt was the deepest and most painful of any loss that I've ever had.
Today you are remembered both in happiness for the great memories of your life with me and also in somber for your departure...my physical loss of you in this
world.
God Bless You Mom!
12:05 pm 11-9-18
Love,
Vincent
Love, Becky!
The world has lost another angel on earth but certainly gained one in heaven.
You came into our broken family and helped make us whole. There were so many wonderful and fun times we had together. I know we didn’t always see eye to eye when I was in high school but what teenager ever gets along with their mother. And that’s what you were, a mother to me and a grandmother to my boys.
I will always appreciate the love and affection you gave unconditionally to my dad. You were his rock and he is struggling down here without you. So, keep an eye on him and every now and then send a sign so he knows you looking out for him.
Love you forever, Toni
Tremendous sadness in my loss, shock at how fast everything seemed to happen, confusion as to why we lost you, wondering if you are with all your loved ones above, worry for the ones you left behind, joy in all my memories of you, immense pride in how you helped me become the woman I am, happiness in knowing you loved me as your own daughter, great appreciation for having you as my "mother" figure - but mostly an incredibly deep love for all that you were to me and our family. We were a blended family and certainly never perfect, but through the years, you were steadfast in your love for all of us and the rock of the family. As I look back at all the memories, I am reminded of how amazing you truly were. I know my dad is a better person for having met you all those years ago, and we ended up being the lucky ones. Thank you for teaching me how to be tough and take care of myself, but also how to be tender and caring when needed. Thank you for devoting your life to our family and making the tough choices to hold us all together through the good times and the bad. That is a true testament to your unbound strength, unconditional love and fierce determination. I will forever be grateful and will keep your fighting spirit alive within me, always. Love-Jessica
I fondly recall spending Christmases with the Wernerspach and Peters families. Halloween and Christmas caroling, many long conversations late into the night, and just “hanging out” with Vinnie were a significant part of my teenage years. In all these events, Ellie was part of the fabric that makes up who I am, and I treasure these precious memories. Although a few more miles separate our families these days, I always look forward to getting together whenever we visit NJ.
As I think about how I’ve known Ellie for over half my life, I guess the lesson I’m reminded of, is to live life in such a way so that those around us are positively impacted, and that we’re remembered for loving one another. In my little corner of the world, Ellie’s legacy lives on in me, in that I’m blessed with a lifelong friend, and my kids have an “Uncle Vinnie.” In this difficult time, I pray for the peace and presence of the Lord, and His comfort for the Wernerspach and Peters families. God bless.
Ray and Ellie were best friends too. I loved to see them together all the time having coffee and talking.
While I did not know Her very well, She reminded me of my Grandma,
Ray, I’m very sorry for your loss, Vinny I know how hard this is for you, I’m very sorry. To Ellie’s family and friends. Rest In Peace Ellie.
You were there with me when I took my first breath in this world and I was there with you when you took your last breath. In this world you were surrounded by those who love and care for you. Now you are surrounded by those who left this world before you. They love and care for you as they always have and as we do and always will. Until the time comes when we again will be united, we will remain connected perhaps in ways beyond my comprehension.
I hope and pray that you are in heaven with God, your mother, father, sister, brothers, nephews and friends. I love and care for you unconditionally Mom! I miss you so much!
Love- Vincent
Leave a Tribute
Popeye's & Bluto's Bilge Rat Barges
Thanksgiving week 2006 Mom (Elly), Ray, Becky, Matthew, Brienna, Chase and I traveled to Orlando, Florida for vacation at Westgate Resorts. We decided to go to Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure. Even though we were in Florida the high temperature this particular day was probably 65 degrees. In the evening it was in the mid to upper 40's...rather chilly. Since we wanted to experience EVERY ride and attraction in the park the time had come to go on the Popeye's & Bluto's Bilge Rat Barges ride. I was absolutely shocked that Mom was willing to go on the ride...enthusiastically! Anyone who knows me understands that I am not much of a fan of water rides! However I was happy to follow my mother's lead. This water tube ride was the wildest of its type that I have ever experienced! We all were absolutely drenched and laughed throughout the entirety of the ride. It seemed that my mother laughed and enjoyed it most. She too has never been much of a fan of water rides so this was certainly a positive experience for me to have shared with her. Following the ride, we were drenched and the temperature was cold! Outside of the ride-ever so conveniently-was a kiosk for the sale of Popeyes and Bluto's Bilge-Rat Barges ride towels! Although expensive, Mom spared no moment to reach into her purse and to then purchase each one of us an individual towel so that we could dry off and gain some comfort. This story clearly demonstrates the "child at heart," the generosity and thoughtfulness of my beloved mother. This is a memory I will keep with me for the remainder of my life.
I LOVE YOU MOM! I MISS YOU DEARLY!
Love your eternally greatful son,
Vincent
I’ll always remember going to the house to practice singing. Even though we always work her up prior to her shift, she was sweet. I also remember how happy she was when we went to work to sing.
Good memories. You will be missed
A Funny Story
I can remember a time my Aunts Ellie, Peggy, and Ruthie came to visit us up in Massachusetts with our cousins. My Mother took everyone shopping at Richies Department Store in Salem Mass. As we were all shopping something happened with my Mother and when it did My Aunts grabbed all us kids and ran different directions Ellie had Me and Linda and we were hiding in a clothes rack. when my Mother came to get us Ellie was screaming lady who are you we don't know. if anyone remembers and knows what happened it was quite explosive for my Mother. On that note
I say Ellie I know I was MIA for a really long time but I will always cherish the times I came to visit in New Jersey over the chicken coop and you were there for us as a family and being there my Mother your sister. You always will be in my prayers and thoughts. I will never forget the fun we all shared at Your house especially the cat that love to suck on ear lopes
With all of my heart Thank you for being part of my life. I will carry lots of fun filled memories