Filomena Jeklinski

Sadly, with heavy hearts, after 97 years of a full life filled with love, kindness and grace, we say goodbye to our sweet, loving mom, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother. 

Dolly was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey where she grew up with seven siblings. 

Filomena, but better known as Dolly, was the true matriarch and the glue of the family.  

Dolly’s journey began in 1950 when she shared a lifelong love with her husband Ed, who predeceased her nearly 20 years ago.   

Dolly and Ed were married for 56 beautiful years. Over the years, the life that they shared was filled with lots of travel and fun with friends and family.  They loved to spend time at the Forked River Tuna Club and mingle with the members. They also enjoyed many years at the Jersey Shore and on their boat that was beautifully named “Dolly.” 

Together, they built a loving family and raised four sons, into their lives, welcoming daughters in laws as well.   The eldest son, Edward Jr (Paula), Michael (Jackie), John (Nancy), and Stephen (Marilyn).   

As their children began to grow, Ed and Dolly found their greatest joy in spending time with their 8 grandchildren.  Lauren (Ryan), Michael, Tarah, Jonathan (Samantha), Eddie, Donna, Tyler (Hailey) and Shelby.   

As their grandchildren grew up, they began their own families. Dolly joyfully welcomed all of her 6 great grandchildren. Her first-born great grandchild, Mackenzie, followed by Theo, Michael, Kalia, Owen and Torr.  

This was a beautiful reflection of the legacy that Dolly created.   

The last few years of Dolly’s life, as she struggled with Dementia, we were beyond blessed to have our Angel and caregiver, Jean in our lives for almost 6 full years. Jean truly gave her heart and soul to Dolly and to all of us.  The entire family is forever grateful to Jean. 

We will miss our mom every day but feel a sense of solace in knowing that she is at peace.  We are all truly grateful for the love and the life that Dolly leaves behind. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Filomena Jeklinski, please visit our floral store.