Obituary of Meredith Ann Mader

Obituary for Meredith Ann (Oelkers) Mader. October 29, 1941 – October 12, 2023.

Meredith was born in Hackensack Hospital, NJ and passed away in Venice, FL.

Meredith lived a full life surrounded by friends, family and many people she loved and who loved her deeply. There is no question Meredith’s open personality, her unwavering giving spirit drew people in. Her aim, her goal in life was to be there for others. From being a classroom aid at Intervale School, to working with US Congressman Dean Gallo, Meredith gave of herself in everything she pursued. She was the navigator for not only family trips west, but for the myriad of life's ups and downs that come with raising three kids. She was co-captain on many adventures throughout the west, often with neighbor kids or families on board. Born in Hackensack, Meredith lived most of her life in northern NJ. Early years living with her family in Hasbrouck Heights and Cedar Lake to Highland Lakes and eventually settling in with her young family in Lake Intervale.

While a member of the Intervale Community, Meredith loved to entertain, gather with friends and family with bridge games, Holiday parties or community events at the beach. She loved to cook though loved to share her cooking with others more. The last 30 years, Meredith lived on the gulf coast of Florida moving there to be closer to her brother Robert. Meredith opened her home and arms many times to her kids and grand kids making special memories for her family. It’s no surprise she remained connected to the Lake Intervale community and frequently spent time with old Intervale friends in Florida. We are grateful her last years were spent with her surviving, loving partner Michael Hannigan in Venice. Meredith’s Florida community extended from bridge to bingo partners while never shying away from a family Scrabble game.

Her three grown children credit Meredith with many gifts including love of the outdoors, travel and especially alpine skiing. That love of the outdoors and adventure has been clearly passed on to her surviving grandchildren.

Meredith is proceeded in death by her brother Robert Oelkers and parents William and Jesse Oelkers. She has three surviving adult children, Keith, Patricia and Christopher along with three surviving young adult grandkids, Austin and Maleah Mader and Ethan Sesar.