Eleanor L. Vander Meulen

Eleanor “Ellie” Vander Meulen, age 85 of Oakland, died on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 with the comfort of family by her side. Ellie was formerly of North Haledon, where she had lived for over sixty years.

Ellie was born on February 3, 1940 and raised by her parents Louis and Angela DiPalma in Brooklyn, NY.  She enjoyed summers in Cozy Lake, NJ where, at age 15, she met her eventual husband, Bob. Ellie and Bob were married in 1960, bought their home on Hillside Drive where they and their children formed numerous lasting friendships.  They also made many wonderful friends through their association with the North Haledon Volunteer Fire Company #2.  Ellie was the planner of many amazing road trips that she and Bob took throughout the country.  They were especially fond of the National Parks and visited many of them over the years.  Ellie orchestrated family vacations in Wildwood, the Poconos and elsewhere for decades, a tradition that continues to be cherished by all.  She was an avid reader which led her to help form the North Haledon Friends of the Library, for which she served as its first president.  Ellie enjoyed crocheting, singing in the St. Paul’s choir and attending the theater with musicals being her favorite shows. 

When their children were a little older, Ellie began working in the parts department at Sears, Roebuck & Company and continued there for over 30 years.  Her friends and coworkers all looked forward to her homemade Christmas cookies. 

Ellie was a devout Catholic who attended Mass regularly.  She continued to pray the rosary daily as long as she was physically able and her faith sustained her through several serious illnesses throughout her life.

Ellie was predeceased by her beloved husband of sixty-one years, Bob, in 2021.  She is survived by her brother John and his wife Pat of Blairstown, NJ.  Ellie was the beloved mother of four children; Debby Tarsitano of North Haledon, NJ, Bob Vander Meulen and his wife Cathy of Madison, NJ, Sue Antoci and her husband Sam of Oakland, NJ and Linda Avolio and her husband Anthony of North Haledon.  She is also lovingly remembered by nine grandchildren; Michelle and her husband Paul, Tom and his wife Meredith, Bobby and his wife Gena, Billy, Jack and his wife Amy, Rowen and her husband Chris, Quinn, Angela and Anthony, and five great-grandchildren; Gwyn, Henry, Lili, Belle, Ellie. Ellie passes with the joyful knowledge that another great-grandson will arrive in the coming year.

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In lieu of flowers, donations in Eleanor's memory would be appreciated to;

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Memorial Processing

501 St. Jude Place

Memphis, TN 38105-9959