Obituary of Ellen J. Bendotti

ELLEN JANE BENDOTTI August 14, 1917 - January 29, 2013 "When you look at your mother you are looking at the purest love you will ever know" (C. Benetto) Ellen Bendotti of Cliffside Park, New Jersey completed her life of devotion and service to her family, friends and community when she transitioned peacefully to God's loving care on January 29, 2013. Ellen, slight in stature, blessed with a heart of gold and a will of steel, and equipped with a razor-sharp mind for 95 years, enjoyed every day of her 55 year residence in her beloved community. Born to Charles and Loretta VanRiper on August 14, 1917 in Jersey City, NJ, Ellen was a child of World War I and the Great Depression. She sold apples and dolls on street corners and overcame major health issues to survive. And yet, Ellen would recall how blessed she and her siblings were to overcome the daunting challenges of her childhood. Ellen is survived by her loving daughter, Maureen Ardolino of Huntington Beach, CA, by her devoted son, Bob Bendotti and his wife Linda of Scottsdale, AZ, and by her ever-caring son-in-law, Jesse Lee of Cliffside Park, NJ. Ellen is preceded in death by her first child, Kathleen Lee (2012) of Cliffside Park, NJ. Ellen's husband and unforgettable soul-mate, Emil (1988), also preceded her in death. Ellen's sisters, Eileen McCormack of Jersey City and Carol George Poppen of Sarasota, FL, and her youngest brother, Martin Dempsey and wife Jean of Sacramento, CA continue to hold their loving memories of their special sister. Ellen was preceded in death by her siblings Vincent Van Riper, Muriel Cassidy, Julia Galvin and John Dempsey. Son-in-law Charles Ardolino of Huntington Beach, CA also preceded Ellen's passing. Ellen's grandchildren and their spouses held a very special place in her heart. She prayed for each one every night -- for grandchildren Jesse and Bobby (2004) Lee and Tracy (Lee) Underwood, for Daniele (Ardolino) Zucker, Janeane and Isaac Ardolino, and for Brianna, Christopher and Joseph Bendotti. Ellen also loved her great grandchildren -- Brooke and Cameron Underwood, Jesse and Bobby Lee, Charles and Sarah (Ardolino) Zucker, Jake and Samantha Lee, Elyse and Luke Ardolino and Kingston Bendotti. Ellen was a loving and proud aunt to her many nieces and nephews. Ellen, and the entire Bendotti Family, are ever grateful to her "adopted son", Marty Piccini of Fairview, Cathleen Snyder and to Mikii Bendotti for the support they provided over many years. Deep appreciation is also extended to Ellen's long-time neighbor, Lucille, for watching over her and her home during her illness, and to her cherished friend Helena DeLiz. Ellen's "McDonald's Crew" were among her dearest friends. Ellen's family extends our appreciation to each member of the "crew". She will miss her coffee, oatmeal, and chocolate ice cream but, most of all, the companionship you provided. Mom, it is time for you to rest in peace after a long and rich life lived so very well. No one could have been blessed with a better mother, grandmother, family member or friend. We are so very proud of you! While we mourn your passing we celebrate your arrival in heaven and the reception of God's special gifts -- unsurpassed peace and eternal life. Well Done Ellen Jane Bendotti! Visitation Services: McCorry Brothers Funeral Home, 780 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park, NJ, Monday, Feb. 4th from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Funeral Mass: Epiphany Church, 247 Knox Avenue, Cliffside Park, NJ, Tuesday, Feb. 5th at 10 a.m. Donations in memory of Ellen Jane Bendotti to: The Ronald McDonald House; email address: rmhc.org would be appreciated.