Earlene Lucille (nee Stockwell) Kester – Of Belvidere, N. J., left this earthly existence Thursday July 29, 2021, to join Her Heavenly Father and Family, who have gone before Her.
Earlene was preceded in death by her Parents Earle Liberta and Margaret (nee Pickett) Stockwell, Brother Richard Stuart Stockwell and Sister Lee Ellen Stockwell.
She is survived by Her Husband Martin R. Kester of Belvidere, N.J., Daughter’s Margaret S. Puleo of Long Valley, N.J. and Renee Ryno (Rob) of Hackettstown, N.J., Stepdaughter’s Michele C. Ike of Brick, N.J., Julie E. Heymach (Mike) of Cream Ridge, N.J. and Stepson Martin R. Kester Jr. (Julie) of Budd Lake N.J.
Earlene was Grandmother to Crystal A. Ryno, Gavin L. Ike, Anita R. Heymach, Emma B. Ike, Allison R. Heymach, Owen M. Kester and Natalie D. Kester.
She was also a Great Grandmother to her wonderful, Hannah M. Watch.
Earlene is survived by her two Loving and Caring Sisters, Margaret Ann Joerger (Charlie), of Mountain Top, PA. and Susan L. Guinn (Bill), of Springville, UT.. Both of whom were instrumental in providing great personal comfort during the late and final stages of her illness. She also leaves behind many nieces and nephews and their children.
Earlene asked that we acknowledge her Cousin Lucille Fraser and Special Friend Gail McMahon, who have each been Life Long Confidants of her.
Earlene Lucille Kester, (nee Stockwell), was born in Queens, New York on May 22, 1944. Her family then relocated to the Red Hook section of Brooklyn, New York, where she spent much of her youth from elementary school, through graduating from Bay Ridge High School for Girls, in Brooklyn N.Y., in 1962.
Following high school she found employment with New York Life, before getting married and starting her family.
After a brief relocation to Arizona, she returned to the East Coast, settling in the Morris/Warren County areas.
She held several jobs in the area, before finally settling on a career with the M&M Mars Company of Hackettstown, N. J., from which she retired in 2002.
In the Spring of 1998, she met Martin R. Kester, when they both attended a Widowed Early Singles Dance at the Resurrection Catholic Church in Randolph, New Jersey. They were engaged several months later and were married January 30, 1999, in a ceremony conducted by the Bishop, of The Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints.
Earlene was regular attendee at, The Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, in Ledgewood, New Jersey, having been Baptized into the faith some 44 years ago. She was continually active in congregations, Relief Society, Teaching Religious Lessons to the Youth in Primary and supporting food distribution, from the “Bishop’s Storehouse” to Church Members and Non-Members in Need.
Her Greatest Joy was caring for her immediate and extended families. Attending their cheerleading competitions, concerts, plays, awards ceremonies, athletic events, weddings, births, baptisms, birthday parties, communions, graduations, and family picnic and camping outings.
Earlene, loved knitting and crocheting and everybody in the family has at least one of her scarfs, knit hats or capes. She also parlayed these skills for many years into weaving bandages for Leper Colonies or tiny knit hats for the local Hospital Maternity Wards.
In short, Earlene lived her life to the fullest, embracing All who needed a Friend, Help or just a Kind Word of Encouragement!
Finally, Earlene will always and forever be known by The Clients in “The ARC of Morris County Group Homes and Day Care Center”, as Mrs. Puleo, Margaret’s Mom.
A visitation will be held on Friday, August 6, 2021 from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm at Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840
A funeral service will be held on Saturday August 7, 2021 at 11:30 am with a visitation before from 10:30 am -11:30 am at Latter Day Saints Church, 156 Mountain Road, Ledgewood, NJ with Bishop Burns officiating. Burial will be private.
For those wishing to leave online condolences, please visit www.cochranfuneral.com
9 Condolences for Kester, Earlene Lucille
Condolences(9)
Karin Schardt says
July 30, 2021 at 9:59 pmDear Family of Earlene,
What sad news to hear about the passing of Earlene. I got to know her & work with her at Mars. It was my pleasure to have known her. She was a wonderful person. She will be missed
Bunny Heymach says
August 1, 2021 at 12:13 pmI only met Earlene a few times several years ago but the impression she left with me was of a wonderful caring and nice person. Loved family. I am her step granddaughter’s Allison and Anita Heymach Aunt…Bunny Heymach. On behalf of the extended Heymach family and myself I offer sincere condolences to all those who loved and cherished her. She is at peace now. God bless you all.
Lawrence Rose says
August 1, 2021 at 12:30 pmDear Marty & Family,
So sad to hear about the passing of your wife, and my cousin Earlene. I have fond memories of her, and her brother and sisters coming to visit us when we were all children. Please accept my sincere condolenses on your loss and know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Carol and Jack Miller says
August 3, 2021 at 7:55 pmDear Marty and family,
Very sad to hear of Earlene’s passing. She was a loving and caring person. We always enjoyed being in her company at the girls (Anita and Allison) parties.
May fond memories comfort you. She was a wonderful lady.
Terri Cavanaugh-Kennison says
August 3, 2021 at 11:12 pmDear Earlenes Family, so sad to hear of Earlenes passing. She was a blessing to all who knew her. She was a close friend and will be greatly missed. She is with our Heavenly Father now, and is undoubtedly a Guardian Angel to all
Morristown NJ Stake Member says
August 6, 2021 at 12:21 amDearest Family of Earlene,
Earlene is a Queen in every sense of the word. She led in quiet, humble ways – taking care of herself and others. Her example shifted my life for good. Mourning with you, and likewise celebrating her life and and triumphant entry to the expanse of eternity ~
Kathryn Menscher says
August 6, 2021 at 9:54 pmDear Marty,
You were the patient and accommodating husband who drove Earlene to N I A at Clinton Ward where I met her and enjoyed her company. From her comments you were the perfect couple which undoubtedly contributed to her happy spirit. Sending you my condolences at Earlene’s passing.
Donna Urbanek says
August 17, 2021 at 9:38 pmOur heartfelt sympathy to my dear cousin and all of Earlenes’ family.
Love
Matt and Donna
Grace Livingston says
August 19, 2021 at 8:12 pmDearest Family,
Earlene will be remembered for her kind and compassionate service among other things. My family and I have fond memories of her. I will miss this dear sweet friend!
Love,
Grace Livingston
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