Christine Sadler Ehlers, 87, passed away on November 8, 2024, in Newtown Square, Penn. Born on April 1, 1937, Chris was known by friends and family for her generosity, kindness, love and selflessness throughout her life.
Chris graduated from Andrew Jackson High School in Queens, N.Y., and from Adelphi College in Garden City, N.Y., where she majored in history. She served as executive office manager at City Trust Bank in Bridgeport and as a substitute teacher at Monroe Public Schools.
Her hobbies included reading, travel, cooking and volunteering in the community.
Chris grew up an only child with three generations in their home in Cambria Heights (Queens), N.Y., where she was adored (and slightly spoiled). She had fond memories of her summer days in Laurence Harbor, N.J., where her extended family had an arcade on the boardwalk.
She met her husband, Bill Ehlers, at a high school dance in 1953. From that moment they were inseparable, marrying in 1959 and starting their family in upstate New York and moving to Norwalk, Long Island, the Philadelphia suburbs and ultimately to Monroe, which they would call home for more than 50 years.
Chris loved Monroe and was active in many community activities: she served on the board of the Lakewood YMCA, was very active in the American Association of University Women (AAUW), the Monroe Historic Society and St. Peters Episcopal Church.
Chris was the cherished mother of William Ehlers and Karen Ehlers Fitch, mother-in-law to Brenda Wheeler Ehlers and Daniel Fitch, and a loving grandmother to Kirsten (Dominic), Charles, (Juliette), Stephen, Jane (Jason), and Harry and great-grandmother to Callum.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, William Ehlers, in 2018. The two adored each other and cherished every day and every new adventure. They enjoyed drives north along the eastern seaboard, discovering historic sites and changing terrain. Later, they regularly spent time at their vacation home in Caswell Beach, N.C., where they would relax reading books on the beach and exploring the coast.
Chris’s passing leaves her family with a tremendous loss, but also deep gratitude for her unfailing love and support and the example of a well-lived life.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Chris’s memory can be made to the Edith Wheeler Memorial Library in Monroe. Chris’s life and legacy will be remembered and cherished by all who knew her.
We will celebrate her life at a service at St. Peter’s Grace Episcopal Church in Monroe at 11 a.m. on December 16, 2024.
