Eleanor Gratkowski, 95, of Fords, passed suddenly on Tuesday, October 30, 2018, at The Venetian Care & Rehabilitation Center in South Amboy.

Born in Newark, she had resided in Fords for over 50 years.

She was a retired secretary and was also a former salesperson for 20 years with Bamberger's and Macy's Stores at the Menlo Park Mall in Edison. Her grandchildren still remember hiding in the clothing racks, trying to scare her, while she was at work. Current employees still remember her fondly.

She was a faithful communicant of Our Lady of Peace Church in Fords. She had a very strong faith and lived her life by the Word. Heaven has truly gained an angel!

She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Casimir, who died in 1994, whom she loved until her last day, her two sons-in-law, David Senatore and Ronald Granat, whom we hope were there to greet her in heaven and a great-granddaughter, Emmy Rose who was waiting for a hug for her "GiGi".

Eleanor leaves behind; her sister, Margaret Muzikar, of Fords, her three beloved daughters, Susan Koos and her husband, Edward, of Toms River, Linda Granat of Matawan and Karen Senatore of Fords, her seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren: Kourtney, Laurence, his wife, Stevie and their three children, Hailey, Lawson and Violet, Christopher, his wife, Marissa and their son, Christopher, Lexa and her son, Westley, Bryan, and his wife, Carrie and their two children, Bryan and Brody, Eric, his wife, Alexis and their two children, Eric and Oliver and DJ, and his wife, Adriana and their two children, DJ and Kruz.

She was a woman who loved with all her heart, gave everything she could for her family, and shaped them into the people they have become. She loved her family and cherished every moment she spent with them. She felt blessed to know and love, each and everyone of her 12 great-grandchildren.

Eleanor always said how lucky she was to have her daughters, but they were the lucky ones.She saw them through life's ups and downs and was always there for them whenever they needed her. They were blessed to have her for 95 years! Her sister Margaret was also lucky to have her. They spent a lot of time together, watching TV, praying, Bickering, but mostly, loving each other. Her presence will be forever missed! Her grandchildren knew her faith was strong, her heart was pure and that she prayed for them, every single day. Her great-grandchildren could make her smile no matter how she felt and they loved spending time with her.


Visitation will be on Sunday, November 4, 2018, from 2 to 6 pm, at the Flynn and Son Funeral Home, 23 Ford Ave. Fords, NJ 08863. Funeral services will begin on Monday, November 5, 2018, at 10 a.m. from the funeral home, followed by a 10:30 a.m. Funeral Liturgy at Our Lady of Peace Church, Fords. Interment will follow in St Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to: Catholic Charities at www.ccdom.org.