MARY BAKKER Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Mary Ellen Bakker, 67, of West Milford, passed away on Thursday, December 29, 2011. She was born in Paterson, NJ to Loretta May (nee Kerris) and Richard Van Splinter. Mary Ellen was formerly married to Henry Bakker and together had their three sons. She worked for 27 years as a teacher in the West Milford Township Board of Education while also earning her Master’s Degree in education. Mary Ellen was a member of the Newfoundland United Methodist Church for many years and also enjoyed volunteering her time at the West Milford Township Library. She will best be remembered for her love of travel, gardening, singing with the Harmony Singers, and most of being called “Oma” by her cherished grandsons. Mary Ellen is survived by her three loving sons: Kevin Bakker and his wife Antoinette, and Kirk and Keith, all of Hewitt; her dear sister Loretta Sandford and her husband Jim of Wayne; her two cherished grandsons Dillon and Logan; her dear niece Kathryn Coyman of West Milford and her dear nephews; Thomas, Peter, and Paul Sandford. She also leaves behind many close friends, especially her loving companion Bill Cowherd. The family will receive visitors on Saturday, December 31, 2011 from 2pm to 6pm with a funeral service at 5pm during the visitation at the Stickle-Soltesz Funeral Home, 187 LaRue Road, Newfoundland, NJ 07435 Donations may be made in her memory to: the West Milford Township Library,1490 Union Valley Road, West Milford, NJ 07480. On line condolences and directions: www.sticklesolteszfuneralhome.com

MARY BAKKER

April 24, 1944 - December 29, 2011