Lavinia T. Trimmer

Lavinia T. Trimmer, age 93, of Califon, NJ passed away on Wednesday, May 17, 2023 at her son’s home in South Amboy, NJ.

She was born on November 17, 1929 in Schenectady, NY.  She was a longtime resident of Califon, NJ before moving in with her son in 2020.

She was the daughter of the late Charles and Zenesta Oergel.

Her beloved husband, Sidney “Coss” Trimmer, passed away in 1981.

She was a graduate of Stoneham High School in Stoneham, MA.  As an adult, she pursued her college education at Centenary University in Hackettstown, NJ and College of Saint Elizabeth in Morristown, NJ.

Music was one of her joys and passions as she was a music teacher at various elementary schools in NJ and enjoyed giving private piano lessons. One of her former piano students once remarked that taking piano lessons from Mrs. Trimmer was like a rite of passage growing up in Califon.

In addition to teaching music she was also the church organist for several churches including Lower Valley Presbyterian Church, a Presbyterian church in West Orange and Sandy Ridge Community Baptist Church in Stockton, NJ.  She was also known to direct Hand Bell Choir for Christmas Services.

Lavinia was a previous member of Lower Valley Presbyterian Church and, later, the Fairmount Presbyterian Church.

She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star in High Bridge, NJ.

Lavinia was very active in her community as she served on the School Board, Board of Health, and Board of Elections, in Califon as well as being a member of the Califon Historical Society.

In addition to music, she was also passionate about needlework arts including lace making, cross-stitch and embroidery.  It was not uncommon for family members to receive a hand-knitted sweater for Christmas or a quilt as a wedding gift. Lavinia was active in ‘Lost Art Lacers’ an organization of lacemakers, FCE - Friends of Counted Embroidery, EGA - Embroiders’ Guild of America, as well as Visions which is a stitching group.  She taught stitching at many of these groups as well as demonstrated bobbin lace at the Scandinavian Festival in Budd Lake.

Lavinia lived a full life.  Some of her travels included a trip to Ireland, a trip to England which included a short day trip to visit Cosely, UK, which is where her great, great grandparents were married, and trips to visit friends in Germany and Italy. She also enjoyed weekly visits with her friends and especially enjoyed a huge celebration of her 80th birthday with all who loved her.  She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include three sons; John Trimmer of Budd Lake, NJ, Charles Trimmer of South Amboy, NJ and Eric Trimmer of Allentown, PA.  One brother; Donald Oergel and his wife Nancy of Phoenix, AZ and their adult children and families, Darcy, Dawn, Michael and Cheryl. Two adoptive grandchildren; Robert and Samantha Roome of Budd Lake, NJ. Cousins; Frank Oergel and his wife Linda of Horsham, PA, Cathy Riley and her husband Joseph of Levittown, PA.

Predeceased, in addition to her loving husband, by one son; Dennis Trimmer who passed away in 2013; two daughters-in-law; Deborah Lynn Trimmer who passed away in 2017 and Ruthanne Roome who passed away in 2020, and cousin Douglas Oergel who passed away in 2022.

Calling hours will take place on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 from 2-4pm and 7-9pm.  Funeral service will be Thursday, May 25, 2023 at 11am.  All at Scarponi-Bright Funeral Home, 26 Main Street, Lebanon, NJ.  Interment at Lower Valley Cemetery in Califon, NJ.

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