Barbara Ann Eldridge Crammer

Barbara Ann Eldridge Crammer, a kind and empathetic woman of faith, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2023, of natural causes. Born in Long Branch, New Jersey, on March 19, 1948, to the late Norris Eldridge of New Brunswick, New Jersey, and Mary "Hinoi" Eldridge of Hilo, Hawaii. Barbara spent her early years in Howell, New Jersey, and later lived in Hilo, Hawaii.

Barbara graduated as valedictorian from Saint Joseph's High School in Toms River, New Jersey (now Monsignor Donovan), before earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology summa cum laude from Monmouth College in West Long Branch, New Jersey. During her time at Monmouth College, she performed in many theatrical productions, including the lead female role in Don Quixote, as well as various operettas with local theater companies at the Jersey Shore.

Barbara's faith was an integral part of her life, and she spiritually influenced many people with her kindness, empathy and guidance. She attended and graduated from several prestigious academic institutions later in life, including Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, and The Lutheran Theological Seminaries in Columbia, South Carolina, and Saint Paul, Minnesota, where she collectively received two master's degrees and a certificate in theological studies.

She was active in church choirs during her lifetime and was particularly proud of her interdisciplinary studies and outreach in Judaism, Islam, Baha'i Faith, Hinduism, and Buddhism. She lived for a year in Hawaii as an associate pastor at a Lutheran Church in Mililani, Oahu, and also served as a hospital chaplain.

Barbara also taught the English language in China for two years and enjoyed arts and crafts, including making stained glass art, creating artisanal, wooden walking staffs, and jewelry. She followed current events and kept up on all matters in science and religion. She was an avid nature enthusiast, especially bird watching and feeding. She was a world traveler at heart and spent time in China, Italy, and Sweden as well as, living in New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Hawaii, Minnesota, and Maryland.

Barbara was married three times and is predeceased by all three of her husbands: Dennis "Azriel" Gordon, Richard D. Crammer, and Jon Del Russo, as well as her son Rick Crammer and brothers Alan Eldridge and Don Eldridge. She is survived by her son Jeffrey Gordon, daughter Larissa Bilker and spouse Scott Bilker, son Christopher Crammer and spouse Jessie Schneider, daughter Jennafer Mikkonen and spouse Henry Mikkonen, stepson Damien Del Russo and spouse Yin Del Russo, as well as grandchildren Brandon Bilker, Grant Bilker, and Brooke Bilker. Her surviving siblings are Norris "Buddy" Eldridge, Richard Eldridge, Eugene Eldridge, Jerry Eldridge, Ed Eldridge, Ann Kinney, dozens of beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and scores of dear friends.

A memorial service will be held at Village Lutheran Church, 701 Western Blvd, Lanoka Harbor, NJ 08734, on Friday, May 5, 2023, at 1:00 PM. Barbara has often said, "When it's your time, it's your time," and "I believe death is another phase of life. I do not fear it." Her memory shall be treasured by all who knew her.