Eleanor Oelkers, 90 years old of
Cape May Court House, NJ passed away on March 1, 2024. Eleanor was a loving and giving Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. Eleanor and John Oelkers were devoted to one another in marriage for over 71 years. She is survived by her husband of 91 years, John Oelkers Sr., her 5 children: John Oelkers Jr., Marybeth and husband Vince Markus, James and wife Jane Oelkers, Susan Oelkers, Christopher Oelkers, and Damien Hughes; as well as her grandchildren Lauren Oelkers, Daniel Oelkers, Ryan Oelkers and wife Zhuo Gao, Rose Oelkers and husband John Hobaika, Dylan Oelkers, Payson Oelkers, and Kiara Oelkers; and her great grand daughters Angelique Smykal and Anne Oelkers. Eleanor is also survived by her brother William Vander Wall.
Eleanor is predeceased by her daughter Jennifer Oelkers and her brother Martin and wife Sarah Vander Wall.
Eleanor was a devout Roman Catholic with a lifelong devotion to the Virgin Mary. She spent her life offering service to those in need. During her time in Succasunna, NJ and in
Sparta, NJ she volunteered as a Home Health Aide and later an Emergency Help Line worker for people experiencing emotional and critical distress.
Eleanor will also be forever remembered as an excellent cook and baker for her large family of nine. While raising her children in Succasunna, she skillfully sewed clothes, drapes, and a canopy bed ensemble. Throughout her life she became a master knitter, as well as an incredible crocheter. Eleanor made countless blankets, hats, scarfs, Barbie ensembles, rugs and clothes for her husband, herself, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Services for Eleanor will be at Our Lady of The Angels Church, 35 East Mechanic Street in
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210 on Saturday March 9, 2024 with a viewing at 10am and a funeral mass at 11am. In lieu of flowers the family requests prayers for Eleanor for a year.