Dorothy L. Van de Vaarst

Dorothy L. Van de Vaarst (Dottie) at the age of 92, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at home in Port Charlotte, Florida surrounded by her family. Born on October 22, 1933 and raised in Plainfield, New Jersey by her parents, Leonard & Anna (Casey) McCracken, Dottie attended St. Mary’s grammar school & graduated from Plainfield High School. She married Jack C. Van de Vaarst on Valentine’s Day at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in 1954. Together they raised their 5 children in South Plainfield, NJ until his passing on March 24,1982. Dottie lived in Bridgewater, Warren and Hillsborough, NJ before relocating to Port Charlotte, Florida in 2024.

Over the years, Dottie’s career expanded in many directions, most notably as a Jewelry Sales Associate for Sears & Roebuck, a Reservationist for Eastern Airlines & an Executive Assistant at AT&T. She was an active member of her church & community and could be found volunteering at the local library, the soup kitchen, Raritan Valley Community College, and at many charitable organizations. She was a member of the Bridgewater Women’s Club, The Warren Seniors & The Circle of Friends. She loved music, books, dancing, and traveling. It was her faith & her family that kept her strong & resilient over the years.

Dottie’s death was preceded by her parents Leonard & Anna McCracken, her beloved husband Jack C, Van de Vaarst, her sister Jean, her brother Leonard & her amazing son Michael L. Van de Vaarst.

She leaves behind her loving children, Val & Jim Pornovets of Port Charlotte, Florida, Cindy & Jim Fontana of Readington, NJ, Carol Kugelman of Somerville, NJ, Chris Van de Vaarst of Avenel, NJ and Martin & Nancy Van de Vaarst of Brick, NJ. Her cherished grandchildren, Sherry & Eric Borg, Christal Borg, Jess & Nate Hirshberg, Joe & Beth Fontana, Jackie & Brett Meinzinger, Jack Kugelman, Ashley Kugelman & Mike Reznik, Kevin Kugelman, Daniel Van de Vaarst with his wife, Jo- Dalis Vazquez, Nikki & Nick Teodoro, Dana Van de Vaarst, and Nina Van de Vaarst & Zach Schwartz. Twenty treasured great-grandchildren, Jolene & Brian, Stephanie, Emily, EJ, Joey & Libby, Justin & Mia, Brianna, Evan, Noah, Evelyn, Jimmy, Dean, Ryland, Austin, Tyler, Natalie, Zoe, & Mackenzie and 2 adorable great-great grandchildren, Arielle, & Joey.

Dottie’s final resting place will be beside her loving husband, Jack, at Holy Redeemer Cemetery, South Plainfield, New Jersey.