Eileen Ziesmer, who served on the staff of St. Denis Parish, Manasquan, died suddenly from injuries she sustained in a car accident March 5. She was 58.
According to the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office, Mrs. Ziesmer, a resident of Wall, was killed in a three-car crash occurring near the corner of Route 70 and Morningstar Road in Wall around 5:20 p.m.
Mrs. Ziesmer, who was driving her vehicle, was found in an unresponsive state at the scene. Life-saving measures were initiated by responding officers before she was transported to an area hospital where she was pronounced dead at 6:28 p.m. The other two drivers were a 51-year-old Brick woman, who was treated for injuries, and a 22-year-old Manasquan woman, who was not injured.
A message posted March 6 on the parish website and Facebook page said, “It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our dear friend and vital member of our parish staff, Mrs. Eileen Ziesmer, who passed away suddenly last night in a fatal car accident.
“Eileen was a dedicated and cherished part of our parish family and served the church for several years. Her kindness, grace, unwavering devotion and joyful presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her,” the post said.
“Please join us in praying for the repose of her soul and for the comfort of her family and friends during this difficult time.”
Upon learning of Mrs. Ziesmer’s passing, many messages of condolence poured in from diocesan and parish personnel including one from Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M.
“I was stunned and deeply saddened by the tragic death of Eileen Ziesmer,” Bishop O’Connell said. “It’s hard to imagine so much of the pastoral work of the Diocese of Trenton without her generous and joyful presence. She was so active and so well-known in many parishes throughout the Diocese, offering great pastoral insights and always with a kind, generous smile that made everyone feel at home and welcome.”
“Thank you, Eileen, for all you have done,” the Bishop said. “May you rest in peace.”
Mrs. Ziesmer, who had spent more than 30 years in ministry, advocacy and public service, made a lasting and meaningful difference in the countless lives of those she touched. With advanced degrees in social work and theology, she held various positions in the social work field, serving as a traumatic brain injury advocate for Olive Branch, Monmouth County; a social worker in Life Choice Hospice, Toms River; a resident services coordinator in Seabrook Village, Tinton Falls; a community liaison social worker in Care Alternatives Hospice Cranford, and director of social work and spiritual support in hospices and of adult day care facilities.
Her love for the Catholic Church led her to serve in various positions in the Diocese of Trenton in which she provided ministry to adults and children through catechesis, the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults and pastoral care ministries. She was a former director of catechesis for children and adults in Our Lady of Perpetual Help-St. Agnes Parish, Atlantic Highlands; an administrative assistant and assistant of catechesis in St. Rose Parish, Belmar, and for several years she served on the diocesan level as associate director of Parish Counseling Services. She served for many years as a trainer for bereavement and other support groups.
Mrs. Ziesmer was also a Seton Hall University Accelerated Program teacher in the (now former) Mater Dei Prep, Middletown, where she developed the curriculum and taught classes in theology, social justice and spirituality for upper classmen.
In her most recent role as pastoral associate in St. Denis Parish, Mrs. Ziesmer was able to weave her social work background into the ministries she oversaw including for those who were grieving as well as for caregivers, those in recovery and those dealing with addiction issues. She also provided group and individual counseling to adults and families dealing with issues such as parenting, grief, trauma and end-of-life issues.
In collaboration with Father Bill Lago, St. Denis pastor, Mrs. Ziesmer helped to develop projects and organize events for the Manasquan Area Ministerium, a collection of churches in Manasquan and Brielle that work together to meet local needs in the area.
In announcing Mrs. Ziesmer’s death to the diocesan staff, Terry Ginther, chancellor and executive director of Pastoral Life and Mission, conveyed that she had spoken with Father Lago, who was able to be with the family at the hospital and subsequently met with the deacons and parish staff to help them deal with the news.
Ginther wrote, “Needless to say, all of St. Denis Parish are grieving her loss. Please pray for Eileen. I would appreciate it if you would keep her family, coworkers and the parishioners in your thoughts and prayers during this trying time.”
Mrs. Ziesmer was predeceased by her father, William Pavincich. She is survived by her mother, Catherine Pavincich of Lakewood; her husband of 30 years, Werner Ziesmer; her daughter and son-in-law, Catherine and Peter Ostrowski of Bradley Beach; a granddaughter, Anastasia; five sisters, Kathleen Kelly of Middletown, Maryland; Jeanne Pavincich Kettles of Alameda, California; Marilyn Gondek of Brick; Teresa Pavincich of Lakewood, and Geraldine Mailley of Brick, and numerous nieces, nephews, godchildren, relatives, friends and co-workers. Funeral services will begin March 13 with a viewing from 3 to 7 p.m. in St. Denis Church, 90 Union Ave. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated March 14 at 10 a.m. in the church. Burial will follow in St. Anne’s Cemetery, Wall.