Obituaries

In Memoriam: Former Monmouth Beach Resident, Ellen McFadden, 88

Former Monmouth Beach resident, Ellen McFadden, passed away peacefully on Sept. 29, at home. She was 88.

“Ellen was a proud lifelong resident of New Jersey and loved it from north to south; a true ‘Jersey girl’ …

She and her family “had a full life, traveling extensively to Europe and beyond. As she loved to say, ‘Ooh La La!!’

“After retirement, Ellen really showed her resilience, spunk, and adventurous nature. She moved to Monmouth Beach, joined a hiking group, took painting classes, volunteered for the Visiting Nurse Association, played golf and tennis, and wholly enjoyed her years at the beach. She and her siblings took trips together, laughing and singing along the way.

“She was so proud of her accomplishments and her children, and taught them self-reliance, independence, and the value of education.”

Loved ones of Ellen McFadden in her obituary

Ellen was the second oldest of five siblings, and she always had a fierce loyalty to her siblings. From a young age, she displayed a sharp intellect and strong ambition to better herself. She married Tom Bodeep, a musician from Asbury Park, and had two children, Suzanne and Thomas. Ellen later married John Stefanelli and had another son, John.

“She worked hard, and after 10 years of juggling child care and college courses, she graduated from Newark State College (now Kean University).” She taught for 30+ years in the Clifton school system, earning her master’s degree.

In her last eight years she was well cared for and loved at Arbor Terrace in Shrewsbury. “For that her family is so deeply grateful.”

She is predeceased by three siblings.

She is survived by: her beloved brother, David; her three loving children, Suzanne Rauso, Tom Bodeep, and John Stefanelli and their partners Rob, Nan, and Erica; seven grandchildren, Drew, Anna, Olivia, Sara, Joey, Ruthie, and Augie; her sister-in-law, Nancy McFadden; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

A celebration of her life will be held at the John E. Day Funeral Home, 85 Riverside Ave., Red Bank, NJ on Sunday, Oct. 5, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with sharing of memories and prayer commencing at 12:30.

As the VNA Health Group provided services to Ellen, friends and family who would like to donate in her name can do so at  www.vnahg.org/donate.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via John E. Day Funeral Home