Eleanor Wnorowski Adamchak

Eleanor Wnorowski Adamchak, a loving mother, grandmother, and dedicated professional, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 14, 2025, in Wayne, New Jersey, after a brief illness. She was 89 years old.

Born on May 19, 1936, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Eleanor was the daughter of the late John and Jeannette Wnorowski. She grew up in Wilkes-Barre and graduated from Meyers High School with the Class of 1953.

Eleanor began her career at The Times Leader Publishing Company before her marriage. She later applied her sharp skills in finance, working for GMAC as a loan processor across several locations, including Camden, White Plains, and Paterson. After taking time to be a dedicated homemaker while raising her three young children, she returned to the professional world, finishing her career as a clerk in the Note Department at First Union Bank until her retirement in 1995.

Eleanor met the love of her life, Cornelius “Whitey” Adamchak, at a high school football game. They were married on October 19, 1959, beginning their life together with a honeymoon in the Poconos and moved to Haddonfield, NJ.   They also lived in Yonkers, NY and Marlton, NJ before settling down in Wayne, NJ.  They shared a devoted marriage for 38 years until Whitey’s passing.

Eleanor enjoyed spending time reading, solving crosswords, playing cards, baking banana bread and cookies.  She loved to travel around the world, especially on Viking River Cruises, with friends and family. She attended many plays at the Paper Mill Playhouse and enjoyed quality time with the Golden Age Circle of Wayne community.   She was a devout member of Our Lady of the Valley Church.

Eleanor’s greatest pride was her family. She is survived by her three devoted children, Erik Adamchak (m. Angela) of Wayne, NJ; Susan (Adamchak) Smith (m. Dan Smith) of Springfield, NJ; and Cory (Adamchak) May (m. Ben May) of Saylorsburg, PA.

Her laugher and overwhelming affection will be missed by her cherished grandchildren: Brooke Adamchak, Sarah Adamchak, Colin Adamchak, Jordan Smith, Tyler Smith, Riley Smith, Nathan May and Claire May.

She is survived by her brother Joseph Wnorowski and sister-in-law Barbara Adamchak, and several nieces and nephews who love her dearly. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Cornelius Adamchak, her sister, Jeannette (Wnorowski) Bukevicz, brothers, John Wnorowski, Eugene Wnorowski and her parents.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the V Foundation for Cancer Research (donate.v.org).