Obituary of Eleanor M. Maressa

Eleanor Mary Maressa (nee Wichrowski), 92, formerly of Stratford NJ, left us on February 13, 2016. She was married 62 years to her beloved husband Frank A. Maressa, predeceased. Since January 2010, Eleanor resided at The Fountains of Cedar Parke in Atco, NJ. She was born July 17, 1923 as the oldest of five children of Frank and Elsie Wichrowski in Tansboro, NJ. She is survived by her brother Richard Wichrowski and sister Helen Henry of Berlin NJ, and has a predeceased sister Dorothy Wichrowski of Clementon, NJ and brother Frank T. Wichrowski of Berlin, NJ. She has three children Nancy Maressa Childs (husband Michael) of Medford NJ, Frank M. Maressa (wife Sanghi) of Egg Harbor Township NJ, and Joy Ann Tussey (husband Charles) of Woodstown, NJ. She is survived by three adored grandchildren Katie Lynn Robinson (husband Wayne Jr.) of Woodstown NJ, Lete M. Childs (wife Stephanie) of Washington DC, and Lauren Maressa Childs (husband Eyvindur) of Williamstown, MA, and two great grandchildren who were a delight in her life, Alexis Pierce and Wayne Robinson III, of Woodstown,NJ. Eleanor Maressa was the May Queen of the Sacred Heart Church in Cedar Brook NJ and attended Overbrook High School. She married the love of her life, Frank, on December 27, 1947. She and her husband Frank, Postmaster of Stratford, were active members in the Stratford community for over 50 years, the Stratford School system, and the former Our Lady of Grace parish in Somerdale, NJ. Eleanor was a devoted wife and mother. After her children left for college she was in the original group of employees opening the Strawbridge store in the Echelon Mall where she was employed for nearly thirty years. Her life was rich with family, friends, and travel. She and Frank traveled extensively in the US and enjoyed over twenty years of international travel across the globe. Long after she retired she enjoyed the camaraderie of her former "Strawbridge girls", the early morning mall walkers, and the weekly attendees at Sunday mass. Eleanor was a renowned grower of indoor violets and seasonal flowers of all sorts so flowers are welcome. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her viewing on Thursday, February 18, 2016 from 9:30am to 11:15am at the Christ the Redeemer Parish/Assumption Church, 318 Carl Hasselhan Dr., Atco, NJ followed by a Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated at 11:30am. Interment, Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Berlin, NJ. If preferred, in lieu of flowers, a gift may be made to the Christ the Redeemer Parish/Assumption Church at the above address would be appreciated. For additional information or to e-mail a condolence, please visit www.lpwoosterfuneralhome.com.