ARMBRUSTER, Ellen Mary

Ellen Mary (Getchius) Armbruster, 87, of Hope, NJ, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 5, 2025, at Peachtree Creek Memory Care in Atlanta, Georgia. Ellen was born in Clifton, NJ, on April 19, 1937. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 50 happy years, James (Jim) H. Armbruster, and by her parents, Ella Louise Getchius (Barker) and John Getchius.

Following her graduation from Hackettstown High School, Ellen went to work for M&M/Mars, where she retired as a manager in Human Resources more than 40 fulfilling years later.

Ellen had a sweet tooth (and disposition) and found the perfect place to work at Mars, and the children in her family were always thrilled to receive surprise packages of M&Ms at school on holidays which they could share with their classmates.

Ellen enjoyed golf, tennis, and skiing. She also took pleasure in travel with Jim, including a river trip in Germany, sailing in the British Virgin Islands, and dancing the samba at Mardi Gras in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Ellen and Jim had a beachfront home in Brazil and spent many winters there. She and Jim also spent time in their home in Venice, Florida and cabin in Montrose, Pennsylvania. They made many good friends wherever they went. They both worked hard and lived fulfilling lives made possible by their love for each other, kindness to others, and the fruits of their labors. And they shared their lives with memorable pets, including Tootsie, Pumpkin, Blackie, Casey, Amos, Jacob and others.

Ellen is survived by three loving stepchildren: James H. Armbruster, Jr. of Oxford, NJ, Suzanne H. Armbruster of Gulfport, FL, and Kevin R. Armbruster (Mary) of Atlanta, GA, and children Alexandra Armbruster Bennett (Zach) and Kelsey R. Armbruster, and grandchildren Aria L. Bennett and Tyler A. Bennett, all of Atlanta, GA. Her affection, generosity and thoughtfulness (and M&Ms) will be forever cherished and remembered. Ellen spent her final days near family in Atlanta but maintained her home in Hope in the hope she would one day return.

The family thanks everyone who helped with Ellen’s care, with special gratitude to Deb and Bob Kelly and to Rich and Deb Snyder who looked after the needs of both Jim and Ellen in their last years.

A celebration of Ellen’s life will be held at Cochran Funeral Home in Hackettstown, NJ, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Saturday, March 22, 2025.

Please come and share fond memories of Ellen with friends and family.

For those wishing to leave online condolences for the family, please visit, www.cochranfuneral.com