Obituary of Ellen B. Schmitt
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ellen B. Schmitt, who passed away on April 10, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. While her time with us was cut short, the mark that she left on our hearts will never fade.
Ellen was born to Melvin and Phyllis Londner on December 26, 1956, and she was raised alongside her two siblings, Dorine and Howard, in Fair Lawn. Ellen went on to graduate from Fair Lawn High School before continuing her education at William Paterson University where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. She put this knowledge to use in her more than 20-year career as a teacher’s aide for the Rockaway Township School District, making Birchwood and Dennis B. O’Brien Elementary schools her home away from home. Ellen’s commitment and dedication to her profession was a true testament to how much she loved being an educator, as she took great pride in her work shaping the minds of the next generation.
A teacher, through and through, Ellen adored spending time with her grandchildren and showed true patience and kindness as she helped them with various crafts and enriching activities. To Ellen, family was everything, and she treasured every minute spent with them. She spent over 43 years with the love of her life by her side, Gerard Schmitt, and together they raised their family with all the love in their hearts.
While we mourn the loss of this beautiful soul, we take comfort in knowing that she is at peace. She lives on through the hearts of those who knew her. Ellen’s memory is now carried by those she leaves behind: her beloved husband, Gerard “Gerry” Schmitt; her children, Jason Schmitt & his wife Amy, Melissa Miranda & her husband Joey, Eric Schmitt & his wife Chelsea; her grandchildren, Mikayla Miranda, Nora Schmitt, Joey “Jojo” Miranda, Nathan Schmitt, Mia Miranda; her siblings, Dorine Shapiro & her husband Michael and Howard Londner & his wife Lisa; as well as a wealth of nieces, nephews, friends, and colleagues who will remember her fondly.
If you would like to contribute to Ellen’s memory in your own way, please consider making a charitable contribution to Project Purple, which is focused on the early detection of Pancreatic Cancer. Memorial donations can be made via inmemof.org.
A public visitation will be held for Ellen on Monday, April 14 from 4 to 8 PM at Norman Dean home for Services in Denville. On Thursday, April 17, a Memorial service will be held promptly at 11 AM, with family and friends welcome to gather beginning at 10:30 AM at Norman Dean home for Services.
