ELEANOR SIEGRIST

Eleanor Siegrist, 67, of Paterson, NJ, passed away at her home on Saturday, June 27, 2015. She was born on May 24, 1948 in Paterson, NJ. By the providential care and grace of God, Eleanor met Fr. Jack Wehrlen, who had a heart for people with disabilities. In 1974, at 26 years of age, she became one of the first residents of Murray House Group Home in Paterson. The Murray House community became her family, and she remained with the Department for Persons with Disabilities, Catholic Charities for 41 years. Eleanor worked at the Fred Ables Memorial Workshop at Daughters of Miriam for the last 20 years. Eleanor was a warm, outgoing and loving woman with a charming personality. She easily found her way into people’s hearts with her smile, hugs and friendly nature. She adored children and when she was around them it brought out all of her nurturing and loving attributes. She also had a great affection for animals, especially a yellow lab named “Ellie” who was named in her honor. Eleanor enjoyed books, writing, and crafts. Above all, she loved people and she shared with them her heart of compassion, her sense of humor, and her delight in their friendship. She sang while getting ready for her day and her favorite song was “I have Decided to Follow Jesus.” Eleanor had some very special friends who shared with her a mutual bond of love and admiration for many years. Eleanor was embraced as part of the families of John and Mary Burke, and their children Josh Burke and his wife Jennie, Kelsey Burke,and Harry Burke, and their grandchildren Vincent, and Jack, as well as their family dog Rudy; Julie and Lou Tatti who will miss her dearly. She also will be remembered fondly by all of her friends at the DPD, her volunteer Sr. Dorothy Dee, her friend Sr. Joan Kathleen, her physician Dr. Lawrence Barnet and wife Elizabeth, and all the staff who were blessed to be part of her life. Ellie taught us to love unconditionally, to laugh heartily, and to be devoted to our friends and families and she will be deeply missed. Visitation for Eleanor will be on Tuesday, June 30, 2015 from 10am to 11am at St. Thomas the Apostle RC Church, 5635 Berkshire Valley Road, Oak Ridge, NJ 07438. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11am at the church. Eleanor will be interred immediately following the church mass at St. Thomas the Apostle RC Church Cemetery, adjacent to the church. Log onto www.sticklesolteszfuneralhome.com tribute wall to personally post your condolences, memories, photos, and videos.

ELEANOR SIEGRIST

May 24, 1948 - June 27, 2015