Obituary of Eleanor "Ellie" May Merighi

Eleanor May "Ellie" Merighi, 82, of Buena passed away suddenly surrounded by her family on Friday, May 6th. Ellie was born in Hammonton, NJ to Fred and Anna (Jarrole) Berti on May 1, 1940. At the age of 14 she began dating the love of her life, August "Augie" Merighi. She graduated from Vineland High School in 1958 and in 1960 she and Augie married and had four children. Ellie worked as a secretary for Buena Regional School District and South Jersey Gas Company before retiring in 1995. Upon retirement she began working part-time with Marie Poggi twisting the best tortellini in south Jersey. She was a lifetime parishioner of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament where she served as a member of the Parish Council and the coordinator of religious education for over 30 years until her passing. In 2019, as a devotion to her Catholic faith, she traveled with Father Ariel Hernandez on her first trip outside of the US to visit Our Lady of Medjugorje in Croatia where she also had the privilege to serve as a lector at a mass. Ellie was a founding member of the Brunini Swim Club where she enjoyed her summers surrounded by like-minded ladies that became lifelong friends, whom she shared many memories through monthly shopping trips and lunches, and annual trips to the shore. In her later years she enjoyed standing weekly dinner dates with friends, watching football and basketball, and reading. Ellie`s greatest pride was her family, both immediate and extended. She was the architect of Sunday dinner, cooking and celebrating every birthday with a favorite meal. She will be remembered by all as a pinnacle of the church, through her generous spirit, and sincere kindness. Ellie is survived by her loving husband Augie; daughters Julie Mendini, Sandra Abballe (Mauro), and son August Merighi; sister Frieda (Fran) Huber; seven grandchildren, Valerie Mendini (Allen Parks), A.J. Mendini (Brian Smith), Stephanie Mendini (Alex Valentin), Nicholas Abballe (Ashley Marion), Brianna Dellagatta (Anthony Ramos), Dominique Dellagatta (JoJo Seda), and Jenna Abballe; eight great-grandchildren Joseph, Giulia, Nico, Liliana, Gino, Isaac, Mia, and Mariella; brothers and sisters-in-law Ben & Doris Merighi and Milford & Connie Merighi. She is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family. She was predeceased by her parents; daughter Gina Merighi; and brothers-in-law Leslie Huber and Royce Vanaman. A church visitation will be held on Friday, May 13 from 9:00am to 11:00am followed immediately by a funeral mass from Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament - St. Michael`s Church, 504 West Avenue, Minotola. Interment will follow at Our Lady of Victories Cemetery, Landisville. Arrangements are under the supervision of Rone Funeral Service, 1110 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland, NJ 08360. The family requests that donations in memory of Ellie be made to Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Parish, 104 Catawba Avenue, Newfield, NJ 08344 To send online condolences please visit our website at www.RONEFUNERALSERVICE.com