A Life Rooted In Faith: Brick Woman Killed In Route 70 Crash Remembered

BRICK, NJ — A Brick Township woman who died after a three-vehicle crash on Route 70 is being remembered for her devotion to her faith and her community.

Eileen Ziesmer, 58, died March 5 as a result of the crash on Route 70 at Morningstar Road in Wall, authorities said.

Ziesmer was a staff member at Church of St. Denis in Manasquan, a message shared by the Trenton Monitor, the publication of the Diocese of Trenton.

"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," the Monitor said, quoting St. Denis Church. "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."

Ziesmer was "a truly extraordinary woman," wrote Kristen LoSchiavo, a friend of Ziesmer's family who created a GoFundMe campaign to assist the family. "Her life was rooted in faith, service, and compassion for others."

LoSchiavo wrote that Ziesmer's dedication of her professional life to serving the Catholic church was "answering a vocation not of personal gain, but of ministry."

"Those who work for the Church do so because they believe in something greater than themselves, a calling to serve God and care for His people, and Eileen lived that calling every day," she wrote. "She was a cherished and constant presence at St. Denis Roman Catholic Church in Manasquan, where her faith shaped the way she cared for others and guided those who sought her wisdom, kindness, and counsel."

"Because Eileen devoted her life to service within the Church, her career was never about financial reward. Like many who faithfully serve the Church and its mission, she gave generously of her time, heart, and talents," LoSchiavo wrote.

LoSchiavo said Ziesmer's family faces not only the loss of her income and funeral costs but legal expenses as the investigation into the crash continues.

Authorities have not identified the other drivers involved in the crash or released information about the cause of the crash.

"Eileen was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, counselor, and friend to so many," LoSchiavo said. "Eileen spent her life serving others through her faith, her work, and her love for her family and community. Now we ask our community to come together in that same spirit of compassion and generosity to support the family she loved so dearly."

Those who wish to donate to the GoFundMe campaign can do so here.