Eleanor Shanahan, age 87 years, a longtime resident of Saddle Brook, NJ, returned to the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at Foothill Acres Care Center, Hillsborough, NJ, with her family by her side.

Born on July 14, 1936, in Throop, PA, daughter of the late Benjamin and Anna Brodowski Turbolski, she had lived in Saddle Brook, NJ, since 1962, having been raised in both Throop, PA, and Jersey City, NJ.

The small, coal-mining town of Throop, as well as the metropolis of Jersey City, NJ, would both shape the foundation of Eleanor’s life. Born into a humble family, Eleanor’s upbringing in the small Pennsylvania town taught her about hard work and community, while her close-knit neighborhood in Jersey City, NJ, instilled in her a deep appreciation for tradition and faith, as well as community.

It was amidst the sparkle of ice and laughter at the old Giants Stadium in Jersey City, where Eleanor serendipitously crossed paths with a young man named Robert Shanahan while on the ice-skating rink. Their love story began then and there, and continued for decades, marked by unwavering devotion and mutual care. He passed to eternal life on January 27, 2012, and Eleanor carried the memories of their life in her heart daily.

Their union would bring them four children, and Eleanor embraced the joys and challenges of raising her family. She was a Girl Scout leader for her daughters and encouraged her sons to follow the path of Boy Scouts, as both groups encouraged all children to embrace their potential, fostering an environment of growth and exploration. Through her actions, she left an indelible impact on the lives of those she touched through the scouting experience.

A longtime communicant of St. Anne’s Church in Fair Lawn, NJ, Eleanor was extremely proud of, possessed a special affection for, and drew inspiration from Pope John Paul II, the first Pope to be from her cherished Poland.

Finding solace in simple pleasures, whether it was enjoying the excitement of cheering on the New York Mets as they graced the field of Shea Stadium, to finding tranquility in the pages of captivating books which she would read each and every day, Eleanor enjoyed finding contentment in the little world she and her husband had carved out through the years.

Possessing a green thumb, she tended to bountiful flower gardens with a tender touch. Each bloom was a labor of love, reflecting her spirit. She also found respite in the art of coloring, delicately creating vibrant masterpieces within the pages of senior coloring books.

Pope John Paul II wrote, “I plead with you—never, ever give up on hope, never doubt, never tire, and never become discouraged. Be not afraid.” He also reminded us to, “…remember the past with gratitude, live the present with enthusiasm, and look forward to the future with confidence.” Eleanor would not want anyone reading her life legacy to ever be discouraged or afraid, as the promises of eternal life found in John 14 are clear. So, until we are all reunited again, she would want us all to live daily using the gifts God has instilled is our hearts, doing His works with respect, compassion, and love.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Eleanor was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Christine Shanahan, and her sister-in-law, Maxine Turbolski, both earlier this year.

Surviving are her children and their spouses, Robert J. Shanahan, Jr., Esq. and his wife, Mary, Thomas J. Shanahan, Nancy M. Kudlacik and her husband, John, and Diane Nunez and her husband, Armando; her brother, John Turbolski; her grandchildren, Kevin F. Shanahan and his girlfriend, Jane, June Shanahan, Brian Shanahan, Lauren Shanahan, Andrew Kudlacik and his wife, Miranda, Thomas Kudlacik, Nicole Kudlacik, Eion Nunez, and Fiona Nunez; her great granddaughter, Kyley Shanahan; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family.

Eleanor will lie in repose on Thursday, November 2, 2023, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ. There will be an additional period of gathering on Friday, November 3, 2023, from 8:45-9:15 a.m. at the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian Burial officiated by Rev. Matthew Marinelli will take place on Friday, November 3, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Magdalen Church, 105 Mine Street, Flemington, NJ.

Interment with her cherished husband will follow at Laurelwood Cemetery, 901 Bryant Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360, and to which all are welcome.

You are encouraged to visit Eleanor’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a candle of hope, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of her life.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Saddle Brook V.F.W. Post 3484 in support of their charitable works, via mail to 44 Market Street, Saddle Brook, NJ 07663. Questions for the V.F.W. may be directed to them by calling 201-843-9540. Any and all contributions are greatly appreciated by the family.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”

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