Eileen Zelch

Eileen Zelch

Pompton Plains - Eileen Zelch, age 89, of Fair Lawn, died peacefully on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at her home in Pompton Plains. Born in Pittsfield, MA to Louis and Esther Rose Zemmel (nee Rife,) Eileen spent her lifetime dedicated to family, friends, education, and Jewish tradition. A graduate of Bridgewater State University in MA, Eileen's degree in teaching brought her to elementary classrooms in Fair Lawn and Paterson, Hebrew School at Temple Avodah in Fair Lawn, and even Jerusalem, Israel. Eileen is preceded in death by her husband, Gene. Married for 62 years, they met in Boston while she was teaching at a Jewish Center. Engaged within 6 months of meeting, Eileen and Gene were inseparable until his passing in 2017.

Eileen was a competitive bridge player and served as President, National Council of Jewish Women for many years. Her active involvement in Jewish organizations led to many meaningful friendships both in Fair Lawn, in a retirement community in Lakewood, and at Cedar Crest Senior Living in Pompton Plains. Eileen's pride and joy were her two granddaughters, Allison and Emily. Her love for them was perhaps the highlight of her life. Eileen leaves behind her daughter, Beth Siegel, late husband, Jeff, and their daughters, Allison and Emily, her daughter, Lynne Butan, and late husband, Kevin, and cousin, Carol Zemmel.

A private service will be held on Sunday, January 3, 2021 at Cedar Park Cemetery. A more formal service to honor Eileen's memory will be held at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to National Council of Jewish Women www.ncjw.org and the Alzheimer's Association www.alz.org