Ellen M. Nelson

Ellen Mary Nelson, 57, of Garfield died with her son, daughter-in-law and niece at her side on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.

Born and raised in Passaic, New Jersey, Ellen moved to Garfield in 2016 and then lived in Zebulon, NC from 2020 to 2022 before returning to Garfield. She was employed as a Secretary with Passaic County Technical Institute (PCTI) in Wayne, a position she came to refer to as “her dream job” and during her employment there, was an active member of the Teacher’s Union and stayed very involved in the school overall. Ellen loved the New York Giants and always enjoyed spending time with her family, especially the light of her life – her granddaughter, Samiya.

Ellen was predeceased by “her truest love”, Cecil Smiley; by her loved and missed parents, Thomas and Julia Nelson; a dear sister, Debra Wells; her three loved brothers: Stephen, James and Joseph Nelson; her two dear brothers-in-law, Dennis Wells and Leo Ciriaco; and a cherished niece, Stephanie Nelson.

She is survived by her loving and devoted son, Shawn Smiley and his wife, Jessica, of Garfield; her granddaughter Samiya Smiley, her ultimate joy; two dear sisters: Henrietta Kleist and her husband, Rodney, of Clements, MD and Marian Nelson of North Arlington; as well as by numerous nieces and nephews.

Visiting will be Friday from 4:00-7:30pm with a funeral service to then follow at 7:30pm at Bizub-Quinlan Funeral Home, 515 Lexington Avenue, Clifton. Private cremation to follow. Please visit www.bizublexington.com to leave online condolences to Ellen’s family on the Tribute Wall of her obituary page.

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