Shelley H. Ondich of Hamburg, N.J., dies at age 66 Straus News mourns longtime employee

Shelley H. Ondich died unexpectedly on the afternoon of Oct. 18, 2016, at Atlantic Healthcare in the loving arms of her son and daughter, Derek Nerlinger and Kirsten Pasquariello. She was 66.
There will be an open celebration of Shelley’s life on Sunday, Oct. 23, from 1 to 4 p.m. at The Goble Funeral Home, 22 Main Street, Sparta, N.J.
Shelley “Tinker Belle” Ondich of Hamburg N.J. was born to the late Richard and Claire Horridge at West Point, New York. She graduated from Essex Fells High School in West Essex N.J. and later attended the University of Texas.
Shelley was an avid animal lover but loved her family most of all. Those that knew Shelley knew that she was the kindest and most honest person they ever met. Shelley was loved by everyone and she loved everyone back.
The surviving members of Shelley’s family are her husband David Ondich, her son Derek Nerlinger, her daughter Kirsten Pasquariello, her brother Richard Horridge, her sister Joanne Duncan, and Grandchildren Troy Nerlinger, Campbell Pasquariello, and Carlie Nerlinger.
Shelley was a Senior Account Executive at Straus News, publisher of The Sparta Independent, The Township Journal, The Advertiser-News (North) and The Advertiser News South. She worked at the company for the past 16 years. Before joining Straus News, Shelley owned Sea Shell Lingerie, a store in Vernon.
“Shelley was a great life force: upbeat, determined and caring, said Jeanne Straus, President of Straus News. “We are shocked and deeply saddened by her passing and are so sorry for her family’s loss. They are in our thoughts and prayers.”
Kathryn Kaplan, owner of Garlic and Oil in Sparta, N.J., said: “From the day she walked in to sell me advertising, Shelley became my best friend. She loved her work, and loved her family and always kept both in the forefront of her thoughts. Shelley loved to laugh, loved to travel, loved to eat and annoyed everybody because she never gained weight. She was a treasure that can’t be replaced.”
Maria Krowdis of Ristorante iL Porto recalled she was “always happy, always laughing.”
Rich Bischoff of RB Painting said she was a “great person. Always there when you needed her. Always a smile on her face. Wonderful person. Going to miss her.”
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to The American Cancer Society.