Ellen Marie Gerlich
March 24, 1962 - April 11, 2021
Cemetery
Location Not Available
Thursday 5/20, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Mass
Location Not Available
Thursday 5/20, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Ellen Marie Gerlich of Spring Lake Heights, NJ, age 59, died of complications from COVID-19 pneumonia on April 11, 2021.

Ellen is survived by her mother Barbara E. Kaufer, 82, of Spring Lake Heights, NJ; her sister Kathleen Gerlich-Cura of Lincroft, NJ; brother-in-law Randall Gagliardi of Lincroft, NJ; sister & legal guardian Barbara A. Gerlich of Spring Lake Heights, NJ; nephew Ryan A. Cura of Chester, NJ; step-mother Frances M. Gerlich of Los Angeles, CA; step-brother Gregg Kaufer of Middletown, NJ and Peter Kaufer, Aberdeen, NJ.

She is preceded in death by her father Donald G. Gerlich of Los Angeles, CA in 2016, her step-father Peter P. Kaufer in 1996 and her grandparents Marie A. Corbi in 1997 and Anthony C. Corbi in 1993.

Ellen Marie was born on March 24, 1962 in Newport News, VA Army Hospital Fort Eustis.  She graduated from Westlake High School, Thornwood, NJ in 1979.  Ellen was an outstanding student graduating early because of her academic excellence.  Throughout her life, she also attended primary schools from Manhattan Beach, CA to Yonkers, NY.

It was in Ellen’s senior year of high school she was involved in an automobile accident that altered the remainder of her life.  Ellen resided in various group and life sharing homes as well as rehabilitations facilities throughout the years.  Ultimately, Ellen lived at home with her mother and sister “Babs” in Spring Lake Heights, NJ.  Since 2017, Ellen attended Bancroft NeuroRehab Day Program in both Brick and Toms River locations.

Ellen’s beautiful spirit was an inspiration to all who knew her.  Her light will shine for many years to come.

Mass celebrating her life will be held 11:00am on May 20, 2021 at St. Gabriel’s Historic Church, Route 520, Marlboro, NJ.  Internment will follow in St. Gabriel’s Mausoleum.

To leave a message of condolence or to share a favorite memory please visit Ellen’s page at www.holmdelfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Ellen can be made to Bancroft NeuroRehab by mailing a check made payable to Bancroft to the attention of Sue Piergallini at 1255 Caldwell Road, Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 or online at donate.bancroft.org.  Please note “In memory of Ellen M. Gerlich” on the memo line of the check or in the designated text box when making the contribution online.

Woolley Boglioli Funeral Home
Eric W Schumann
Eric W Schumann
Eric W Schumann
David Höhbe
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Cemetery
Location Not Available
Thursday 5/20, 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Mass
Location Not Available
Thursday 5/20, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Ellen Marie Gerlich of Spring Lake Heights, NJ, age 59, died of complications from COVID-19 pneumonia on April 11, 2021. Ellen is survived by her mother Barbara E. Kaufer, 82, of Spring Lake Heights, NJ; her sister Kathleen Gerlich-Cura of Lincroft, NJ; brother-in-law Randall Gagliardi of Lincroft, NJ; sister & legal guardian Barbara A. Gerlich …
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Karen and Peter Kaufer left a message on May 18, 2021:
Our hearts are heavy and saddened at this loss of our sister. She is forever in our thoughts when we walk on the boardwalk we will remember this beautiful photo! Rest Easy
JoAnne Spies left a message on April 20, 2021:
Sending my condolences and great appreciation for Ellen's spirit. As a teaching artist at CATA over the years, it was always a joy to see Ellen's radiant smile, her elegance and her inner wisdom that she shared. She will be missed, and her light will continue to shine for all who knew her.
Dawn Lane, CATA left a message on April 20, 2021:
Barbara and family... We received this news with deep sadness...you are in our thoughts...Ellen participated in just about all things Community Access to the Arts (CATA). We were just reminiscing about how Ellen would quietly exit one of our workshops and visit us in the office. We loved those moments...She always wanted to know as much about what we were “working on.” In many ways she was a CATA artist and a colleague.. We missed her terribly when she left the Berkshires, but this news was a shock...We send our love with a great appreciation for all Ellen brought to CATA... Dawn Lane CATA Artistic Director
Dawn Lane, CATA left a message on April 20, 2021:
Barbara and family... We received this news with deep sadness...you are in our thoughts...Ellen participated in just about all things Community Access to the Arts (CATA). We were just reminiscing about how Ellen would quietly exit one of our workshops and visit us in the office. We loved those moments...She always wanted to know as much about what we were “working on.” In many ways she was a CATA artist and a colleague.. We missed her terribly when she left the Berkshires, but this news was a shock...We send our love with a great appreciation for all Ellen brought to CATA... Dawn Lane CATA Artistic Director
Mary A Christie left a message on April 20, 2021:
Dear Barbara I was so sorry to get this news. I would think you were very close to Ellen and will miss her terribly. Who would have thought Covid would be so devastating - especially for someone her age. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. In sympathy, Mary A Christie
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Stephanie, ex Leander House volunteer left a message on April 17, 2021:
Dear Barbara and Babs, I do not know if you remember me but I was a volunteer at Leander House, Jennie and Peter Stanton's home, more than 20 years ago.... It was the time when Ellen lived with us, as well as Eric and David. It might have been more than 20 years ago but my heart literally broke when I received a message from Eric informing me about Ellen being in the hospital, caught by Covid19 and fighting for her life... Her image immediately jumped in front of my eyes, this tall young lady with a broad white smile, perhaps wearing a pearl necklace, a couple of rings, a pair of jeans, a red sweater, comfy shoes, and a touch of red lipstick on her lips... So many memories rushed back to my mind... All the times we spent together, in the house and outside,.... I remember her excitement when we would go out, especially getting chocolates; i remember her looking forward to your visits. Tears rolled down my cheeks. Barbara and Babs, I am so sorry for your loss and you have been constantly on my mind these past days. The months I passed at Jennie and Peter's house are golden years for me and every so often I wished I could turn back time and be back there.... Today more than ever I definitely wished I could..and smile, LAUGH and hug Ellen one more time, go on a little adventure with her, cook with her, try to have her floss her teeth (!!), take a walk downtown,... She was so much fun to be with! I think of her and sponteanously a smile comes to my face... I would love to hear back from you ; i hope you are doing well and keeping strong... as hard as this might be at the moment. I send you and your family all my love and know that i will keep Ellen in my heart forever. Much love, from Greece where i live now, Stephanie
Lee Conlon left a message on April 17, 2021:
Ellen has many friends at Cadmus Lifesharing in Massachusetts where we all remember her beautiful smile and kind heart. The world was a better place with her shining spirit. Blessings to her family.
Eric W Schumann left a message on April 17, 2021:
RIP
Eric W Schumann left a message on April 17, 2021:
RIP
Eric W Schumann left a message on April 17, 2021:
RIP
David Höhbe left a message on April 16, 2021:
In memory of Ellen Marie Gerlich, David Höhbe lit a candle
Rob A. left a message on April 16, 2021:
Ellen was my neighbor for years and there was never a time I didn't catch her with a smile on her face. Her joyous personality radiated and made me smile, even if it wasn't the best of days. The world is a better place with people like Ellen, and feels a little more empty without her.
Kathleen left a message on April 16, 2021:
My BIG SIS! No words left! Love you and hope your spirit is free to just be the amazing you that you are! Love, Kathi
Rosana left a message on April 16, 2021:
Miss Barbara ❤️ I am so sorry for your loss! Hellen is now an angel of God, and will always be with you! ?
Gail Smallridge left a message on April 16, 2021:
Ellen was a wonderful breath of fresh air and a beautiful spirit. She kept me on my toes for which I am forever grateful. Her contagious laugh and light-filled eyes are imprinted on my heart. I hold her in Love and am grateful our paths crosssed. Blessings on your next journey dear one.
Laurie , Gregg and Payton Kaufer left a message on April 16, 2021:
Such a beautiful picture of Ellen! Totally captures her spirit! She will be so very missed.
Woolley Boglioli Funeral Home left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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