Obituary of Audrey Spelker

Audrey Rose Spelker (née Nirmaier), a longtime Madison resident, died peacefully at her home on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 while surrounded by her family. She was 86.

Audrey was the wife of the late Arnold W. Spelker. She is survived by her three loving sons, Mark A. Spelker and his wife Jocelyn of Millington, Matthew A. Spelker and his wife Kathie of Madison & Scott A. Spelker and his wife Amy of Madison; one brother, Earle Nirmaier and his wife Joanne of Hilton Head, SC; seven cherished grandchildren, Mark, Jessica, Matthew, Brett, Scotty, Samantha & Christopher; and many extended family members and dear friends.

Audrey was born in Irvington on July 13, 1934 to the late Earle and Florence Nirmaier and she was raised in Maplewood, graduating from Columbia High School. Audrey went on to earn her bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and her master’s degree in social psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Audrey first met her beloved husband, the late Arnold W. Spelker, while ice skating with friends in the Poconos and from then on they were inseparable. The couple married on January 19, 1957. They lived in Newark for four years, then Old Bridge for eleven years, before settling in Madison in 1972 where they would raise their three sons. Audrey was a natural educator and loved teaching children. She was a second-grade teacher at The Peck School in Morristown for many years.

Audrey believed in giving back and was an active volunteer in many local community organizations that helped others and contributed to the betterment of those less fortunate. She was a regular volunteer at the Community Soup Kitchen and Outreach Center of Morristown, serving food to the homeless and those in need, and she was a substance abuse counselor for inmates at Morris County Jail for many years. Audrey was a longtime member of the Thursday Morning Club of Madison and enjoyed volunteering her time with the charitable causes it supported over the years. She forged many strong friendships throughout the Madison community, and was well-loved by many for her good nature, kindness and selfless generosity. Audrey never once sought attention for her good deeds, volunteerism and charity and she would not have it any other way.

Audrey was a longtime and active parishioner of St. Vincent Martyr Church and loved her church tremendously. She attended mass regularly and had a strong, quiet faith that led her and gave her strength.

Audrey was the matriarch of the family and she loved her family deeply. She was an incredible mother and grandmother who instilled countless valuable lessons and virtues in her sons and grandchildren. Audrey was honest as the day is long and never said a bad word against anyone. She accepted everyone as they were and never judged people. Her home was always a welcome place for all.

Audrey was well-known for her marvelous baking skills; she was an expert cookie baker. Her molasses cookies traveled the world to both friends and family, near and far. She was an avid tennis player and loved bridge games with friends.

Audrey leaves an incredible legacy that touched countless lives. She has made an indelible mark on the world: one of kindness, service, generosity and love. She will be deeply missed and remembered by all who knew and loved her.

 Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a Liturgy of Christian Burial for Audrey that will be celebrated on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at 12:00PM at St. Vincent Martyr Church, Madison. For those that wish, you may attend the Funeral Liturgy virtually via live-stream by visiting www.svmnj.org and viewing the Mass on the main webpage beginning at 12:00PM. Interment will follow at St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Madison. Funeral arrangements are in the care of the Madison Memorial Home.

Visitors to the church are required to wear masks and practice proper social distancing.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that charitable contributions be made in Audrey’s memory to the Community Soup Kitchen and Outreach Center, 36 South St, Morristown, NJ 07960 or the Thursday Morning Club, 25 Cook Ave, Madison, NJ 07940.