Born in Teaneck, NJ on June 27, 1949, she was the daughter of Albert and Marie Viehoefer, each of whom predeceased her. She is survived by her beloved husband and soul mate, John Weierstall, her daughter Gretchen Ritacco, son-in-law Frank, granddaughter Cecilia and grandson Matthew of Oakland, NJ; and her daughter Heidi Weierstall, son-in-law Jim Huber, grandson Tristan and granddaughter Madeline of Scotch Plains, NJ.

She had a passion for fashion, but not for commuting into the city to attend FIT, so instead she channeled her creative energy into sewing clothes and costumes, a business making leather handbags, a career at Haband as a buyer producing wash and wear clothing for seniors and, in more recent years, making endless potholders. Those of you who have seen her of late have a pair (or ten) at home to prove it. She was an avid skier and cherished her years as a Snow Nymph in Killington, Vermont, where she and John would spend every weekend from Thanksgiving until Easter. She was an artist and a wordsmith and wrote and illustrated The Book of Real, which is her and John's love story. Although she claimed to hate games, she could spend hours playing Boggle, Rumikub and, of course, Uno. Her door was always open to family and friends who became family. More than anything, from the youngest age she dreamed of becoming a mom and absolutely adored her two daughters, Gretchen and Heidi, their husbands who became her sons, Frank and Jim (Hubie), and her four perfect grandchildren, Cecilia, Matthew, Tristan and Madeline. She was happiest every summer when she, John, the girls and their families would spend two blissful weeks together on White Street in Lavallette. She once wrote "John, you, Blossom (her poodle) and Butch (her cat) are the loves of my life. My daughters are the answers to every prayer I've ever prayed. Their husbands are beyond my greatest expectations - I've had a truly charmed life - Cece, Matt, Tris and Maddie - I couldn't dream of any better, sweeter, more loving grandchildren.". The world lost one of the good ones and she will be truly, deeply missed by all who knew her.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, February 2, 2024 from 4-8pm at the Vander Plaat Funeral Home 257 Godwin Ave., Wyckoff, NJ 07481.

Funeral arrangement under the care of
Vander Plaat Funeral Home LLC of Wyckoff

Updated by : John WEIERSTALL