Eleanor M. (Bald) Hollister

Eleanor M. Bald Hollister
September 30, 1940 – October 24, 2025

Eleanor Bald Hollister was born on September 30, 1940, at St. Michael’s Hospital in Newark, NJ. She spent her early years in Harrison before enjoying a happy childhood in Beemerville, Sussex County. Later, she moved to Dover, NJ, where she attended Dover High School and was affectionately known as “Zelda.” A spirited and well-loved student, Eleanor was voted “Most Popular” by her classmates in 1958. During her senior year, she was crowned “Football Queen,” served as Captain of the twirling squad, participated in Student Congress, and was honored to serve on the Student Patrol.

Eleanor met the love of her life, Russell W. Hollister, through the Craigmeur Ski Club. They married on June 20, 1964, and shared 61 wonderful years together, making their home in Lake Shawnee, NJ. She dedicated herself to raising their family, and once her children were a bit older, Eleanor became a school bus driver for the Jefferson Township Board of Education — a role she cherished, especially when driving her children to track and cross-country meets. She later worked as an executive secretary at Allied Signal in Morristown.
A devoted member of Our Lady Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church, Eleanor’s faith was steadfast, and not a day passed without her offering prayers for her family and friends.
Known affectionately as “Miss Ellie” by many of her children’s friends, she led a vibrant and active life. In the 1960s and 1970s, she served as a member of the National Ski Patrol and was among the “pioneers” who helped found the Craigmeur Ski Lodge in West Rutland, Vermont. She shared countless memories attending New York Mets games with her late sister, Catherine Bald Scanlon. She also enjoyed playing golf with her husband in Florida during the winter months, and spent many summer vacations with her family in Lavallette and Long Beach Island.
Eleanor had a creative spirit and a giving heart. She enjoyed making candles and served as Convention Chair of the International Guild of Candle Artisans in the 1970s. Over the years, she embraced many roles — Brownie troop leader, softball coach, hockey mom — but above all, she was a loving and devoted homemaker whose warmth and energy enriched the lives of all who knew her.

Eleanor passed away suddenly from a brain hemorrhage, surrounded by her three loving children. The following day, Susan, Nancy, and Jimmy returned to their childhood home in Lake Shawnee to share the heartbreaking news with their father. Just four hours later, he began experiencing severe pain in his chest and abdomen and soon passed away four days later — truly from a broken heart. Eleanor is survived by her beloved husband, Russell. She leaves behind her daughters Susan Priore of Hopatcong, NJ, and Nancy Garbarino and her husband Charlie of Bangor, PA, as well as her son James Hollister and his wife Kimberly Killmer Hollister of Denville, NJ. Eleanor, lovingly known as “Nina,” was the proud grandmother of Michael, Matthew, Russell, Meredith, and Sarah, and the adoring great-grandmother of Ellie, Anthony, Natalie, Gracie, and Caden. She was also a devoted special aunt to her late godchild Jennifer Scanlon Meagher’s children — Rachel, Brian, Jacob, Benjamin, and Caleb.

A wake will be held on Monday, November 3rd, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Bermingham Funeral Home, 216 S. Main Street, Wharton, NJ 07885.
A Funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday, November 4th, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea Roman Catholic Church, 204 Espanong Road, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849.
Interment will be followed by a repast at the Stone Water, 125 NJ-181, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849, beginning at 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, Eleanor (“Miss Ellie”) requested that those wishing to honor her memory consider a contribution to one of the following organizations:

Jefferson Township Rescue Squad
P.O. Box 300
Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849

American Cancer Society

P.O. Box P
Manasquan, NJ 08736

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105

Make-a-Wish Foundation
P.O. Box 6062
Albert Lea, MN 56007
 

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