Carol (Cookie) Ely Scherba R.N., M.ED

Carol (Cookie) Ely Scherba, of Flossmoor, IL and Bay Head, NJ, beloved wife of the late Eugene J. Scherba, passed away at the age of 94, leaving a legacy of love, education, and creativity. She is survived by her loving children, Carol-Rosalie White (Mike) and Eugene (Stranny) J. Scherba Jr., as well as her cherished grandchildren, Katelyn and Brandon. She was a dear sister to the late Arline (Henry) and the late James S.T.S. Ely Jr. (Joan), and an incredible aunt to many.

Cookie was a Registered Nurse with an impressive academic background. She held faculty positions at esteemed institutions such as Cornell, Yeshiva, Emory, Columbia and Farleigh Dickinson Universities. She contributed to maternal nursing education with writings for the National League for Nursing, Medical Economics, and the Department of Health Education and Welfare. Additionally, she worked as an Educational Consultant for Tampax and lectured nationally on women’s health topics.

An accomplished artist, Cookie shared her talent through beautiful watercolor paintings. She was also the proud author of the children’s book; What Kind of Joint Is This?

Her love for Bay Head and Fort Lauderdale fostered countless wonderful memories for family and friends, inspiring all who knew her to live life to the fullest. Cookie's joy, laughter, and generous spirit were gifts that will be cherished forever.

On Sunday, November 3, a local celebration of life will take place at 3pm. Please email cookieslifecelebration@gmail.com if planning on attending.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, November 9th, from 10-11 am at the Calhoun-Mania Funeral Home, 19 Lincoln Ave., Rutherford, NJ 07070. A funeral service will follow at 11:30 am at the First Presbyterian Church, 1 East Passaic Ave., Rutherford, with interment at Hillside Cemetery, 742 Rutherford Ave., Lyndhurst, NJ. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an account established for a nursing scholarship that Cookie wished to award to a deserving student, continuing her passion for helping others.

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