Eloise Lorraine Douglas

On June 11, 2024, just after her 89th birthday, Eloise Douglas (nee Swartz) passed away, embraced by the loving support of her family, friends and community.

Born in Sparta Michigan, she is a graduate of the University of Michigan, where she met her future husband, John W. Douglas. She also obtained a Master’s Degree in Medical Technology from Temple University. She applied her skills by teaching classes at Temple and by working as a hematologist and medical technologist for Kennedy Hospital in Cherry Hill.

John and Eloise moved to Haddonfield in 1962 and joined the Haddonfield United Methodist Church. In the following years she played many roles, including running the sound board, wedding coordinator, Stephen Minister and leading a weekly bible study group. She was also very active in the League of Women Voters.

In 2020, Eloise moved to the Wiley Christian Retirement Community where she became well known for fixing things, and for her excellent gardening skills. She often presented other residents with herbs and flowers from the community garden.

Her recent activities included participation on the River Sisters Dragon Boat Team for cancer survivors. She would often cheer on the team by playing the Rivers Sisters’ theme song on her harmonica.

Eloise is predeceased by her husband, and also her brother Harold Swartz and sister Donna Anton.

She is survived by her sister Sharon Folkerth; sons, Walter and Arthur Douglas; and by daughters, Linda Gaffney (Don Eastburn) and Barbara Douglas (Gary Berti).

A memorial service will be held at the Haddonfield United Methodist Church, 29 Warwick Road, Haddonfield NJ 08033, on Saturday, July 13, 2024, visitation will be from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by the service at 11:00 am. Please check the church website for the livestream.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Woodford Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, 4 Sawmill Rd, Medford, NJ 08055 or by clicking this link .