Yvonne Jeka

Yvonne Kimbel Jeka, 81, Mountainside, who leaves a husband of 55 years, two sons, Donald, Jr., (Alison), Paul, (Michele), an adopted daughter, Kelly McCormick, two grandchildren, Victoria, and Donald III 'Dee.' After a distinguished career as a Mom, Yvonne left this world for a better place. She was a real estate sales associate, joining Burgdorff Realtors, Summit office, and Coldwell Bankers, followed by Premier Properties Sotheby's International, Short Hills. Her real estate career spanned 30 years, primarily with Burgdorff until it was sold. Earlier, she was with the former Continental Can Corporation, Montclair, NJ, in the statistical department, called upon periodically to model for paper products promotional materials and advertisements. Her compassion for family togetherness brought the kids and grandkids to a summer vacation on Long Beach Island. Famous for her Christmas cookies, it was a looked-for holiday treat. An accomplished knitter, she created an Irish fishermen's sweater for all the males. Having moved from Clifton, NJ, to Mountainside, she later joined Ruth Christoffer's as a floral designer, taking awards for her special talent in this field. She became involved in community affairs, rising to President of the Parent Teachers Association. As a member of the Community Presbyterian Church, she served as an elder and member of the church Sessions board. Her creative talents extended to many Church activities around the various holiday seasons She was a family member of Keyport Yacht Club, cruising and day-sailing aboard the couple's Bristol 40, "Santana." Yachting was the focus of the family's recreational activities and sparked the organization of the Summit Yacht Club, a group of local real estate sales associates, who selected her husband, Don, as Commodore. The group shared a summer sail together on the Chesapeake aboard a friends Hatteras for years in a row and met monthly locally. Yvonne Jeka was pre-deceased by a brother, Charles (Chuck) Kimbel and a sister Joyce Brandstatter. She was a graduate of Barringer High School, Newark, and attended a secretarial school. Yvonne's Service of Remembrance will be celebrated at 11:00AM Saturday January 11, 2014, at The Community Presbyterian Church in Mountainside. Interment will be private. Arrangements by Gray Funeral Directors, Westfield. Memorial contributions in Yvonne's memory may be made to: Roots & Wings, 75 Bloomfield Ave., Denville, NJ 07834.