December 29, 2020
Mary J. "Mae" Van Sant, 98, of Hamilton, passed away on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 after a short illness. She called Hamilton her home since 1942.
Predeceased by her parents, Jan and Magdalena Skretkowicz; and husband of 55 years, Leon V. Van Sant, Mae is survived by her beloved daughters Susanne (James) and Laurie Van Sant (Mark Fisher); the apple of her eye, granddaughter Brynna; sister-in-law Helen Skretkowicz; several nieces, nephews, dear friends, and the best neighbors imaginable.
Mae graduated from Brooklyn’s Eastern District High School in Williamsburg. Before marriage, she worked at Heinemann Electric, making circuit breakers to support the war effort. When her children were young, she served the PTA, made cancer dressings, and worked as a substitute librarian—her dream job. Later, she was a licensed insurance agent and Notary, and well into her 90's, maintained the books for Speakman Landscaping.
A talented seamstress and photographer, recipe-collector, and Anglophile, Mae was well known for her ice-tea, gingerbread cookies, and strawberry jam. She kept her mind sharp with puzzles, and as an avid reader, she remained curious and tried to learn something new each day. She loved her “granddogs” and was incredibly proud of her family; her absence will be keenly felt by all who knew her.
Also known as Gammy, she was "ecumenically inclined" and was a longtime member of Citizens for a Better Hamilton, the Van Zandt Society, and the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. She loved the Flower Show, Leaming's Run, and visitinggardens. She spent many happy times and holidays with family on Long Beach Island and enjoyed trips to Florida, and especially to Merry Old England.
There will be no calling hours. Rev. Charles Holm will conduct graveside services on Tuesday, January 5, 2020 at 11:00 am, Allentown Presbyterian Church Cemetery, 20 High St, Allentown, NJ 08501. Masks required; all CDC Guidelines will be followed. A celebration of Mae's long life will be held later when it is safe to gather.
The family requests that you please take a moment and raise a glass while thinking of a special memory of Mae. If you choose, please send a memorial contribution to Feeding America or your favorite charity (no flowers, please), or plant a tree in her memory. Condolences are encouraged at www.bukladmemorialhomes.com
Arrangements are under the direction of the Buklad-Merlino Memorial Homes, 2141 South Broad Street, Hamilton.
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