Murrill B. Ostrander

Murrill B. "Mickey" Ostrander, 89, (also known by many as "Mrs.O"), a long time resident of Roselle Park, died at home on September 12, 2010. Born September 30, 1920, in Crockett, TX, Mickey settled in Roselle Park with her mother and graduated from RPHS in 1938. She worked on Wall Street as an accountant until her marriage to William Vroom Ostrander of Roselle Park (now deceased) on March 5, 1943. During WWII while Bill served in the Army in Europe, Mickey drove an ambulance part-time for the American Red Cross. After the war Mr. and Mrs. Ostrander had three children. Mickey participated in many organizations. In the ARC she taught swimming, life saving, first aid, and CPR. In the First Presbyterian Church of Roselle she was an active member and sang in the choir for 75 years, taught Sunday school, served on Session, Women's Assoc., and as youth advisor, camp counselor, confidant, and friend. Mrs. O was an active PTA member in all schools her children attended, also in Boy Scouts with her sons. She continued her service with the Girl Scouts with her daughter, having herself recived the First Class and Golden Eaglet awards and served as a leader before her marriage. Mickey attended Kean University after her three children were grown and earned her degree in Special Education in 1976. She taught in Hillside High School, Roselle Park High School, and Kean University. Mrs. Ostrander's survivors include: daughter Catherine L. Swanson and two sons, W. Brooke Ostrander and Bruce N. Ostrander; six grandchildren (Bonnie, David, Michael, and Sarah Swanson, and Katy and Jordan Ostrander); and four great grandchildren (Avalon, Conor, Morgan, and Lorelei). A memorial service celebrating the life of Mickey Ostrander will be 1:00PM Saturday, September 25, 2010, at the First Presbyterian Church, 5th Ave., and Chestnut St., Roselle. Anyone wishing to sing in the Memorial Choir may attend choir rehersal 7:30PM Thursday September 23rd, and/or arrive at church 12:30PM Saturday the 25th. A reception will follow the service in Fellowship Hall which will include a 90th birthday party for Mickey, and an open mic where family and friends will have the opportunity to share stories, memories, and "Mickey Moments," which will continue until 5:00PM. A private interment and ceremony will follow at a later date in Moravian Cemetery, Staten Island. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to the First Presbyterian Church, Roselle, or the American Red Cross, Union County chapter. Arrangements by Gray's, Westfield (www.grayfuneralhomes.com).