Louise Ann Ewasko

Louise Ann Ewasko, age 86 of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 15, 2025.

Born as the oldest of three children to Alphonso and Violet Iuele, Louise or Lou Ann as she was lovingly known was raised on Keen Street in Paterson, New Jersey. Her childhood home sat directly across the street from a boy named Bernard Ewasko’s home. Throughout their early years, Lou Ann and Bernie developed a close friendship, often racing bikes together through the neighborhood streets and sharing in the adventures of their youth.

Their friendship became something deeper once they reached their teens. Bernie, then 17, found the courage to ask 14-year-old Lou Ann on her first date. With her father’s blessing earned through Bernie’s reputation as a trustworthy young man, the young couple went on their first date – a Sunday drive past the farms along Ratzer Road in Wayne.

Their romance was temporarily interrupted when Bernie was called to serve his country in the United States Army from 1955 to 1958. After his return from service, they picked up right where they left off and on Saturday, November 28, 1959, the couple exchanged their wedding vows at Blessed Sacrament Church in their hometown of Paterson and married. The newlyweds celebrated their marriage with a honeymoon in sunny Florida, a destination that would be a cherished winter retreat for the rest of their lives together.

The couple began their married life in their first home in Paterson, later moving to West Paterson before settling in Wayne, where they would spend the next 57 years building their life together until Bernie's passing in 2018. Their marriage was blessed with two beautiful children, Jo Ann and Steven, and spanned nearly 59 years.

Lou Ann and Bernie created a tradition of escaping New Jersey's harsh winters for their ocean condo at Indian Harbor Beach in Florida. True to her nature, Lou Ann insisted they drive to their winter escape since she refused to fly. This suited Bernie perfectly, as he was passionate about his cars and looked forward to an excuse to take them on a long ride.

Among Lou Ann's most cherished companions was her beloved dog Chico, who held a special place in her heart from September 1977 until his passing in November 1993. For over sixteen years, Chico was her devoted friend, bringing joy and companionship to the Ewasko household and leaving paw prints on Lou Ann's heart that would last a lifetime.

Lou Ann is survived by her children: Jo Ann Ewasko and Steven Ewasko along with his wife CharlotteAnn Ewasko; her siblings Carmen and his wife Karen Iuele, and Irene Seltenheim; her grandchildren: Nicole Ianuale and her partner Paulo Almeida, Mark and his wife Jackie Ianuale, and Cory Ianuale; and her great grandchildren: Marcelo Almeida, Nina Almeida, and Elaina Ianuale.

She is predeceased by her husband Bernard Ewasko; her brother-in-law Christopher Seltenheim; and her parents Alphonso and Violet Iuele.