Evelyn M. Bonin

Evelyn M. Bonin (nèe Haertel), 99, of Secaucus, NJ, passed away in the comfort of her home on February 2, 2026. She was an amazing, fiercely independent lady, who loved her family, her faithful assistant Lavern, the neighborhood cats (her pet Coco and the other feral feline friends that visited her daily), the town of Secaucus, and the VFW. Evelyn enjoyed reading books and actual printed newspapers (!), movies and, corresponding with her friends by mail and by phone. She loved sharing the news about each of these things with her friends, in her unique linguistic style, almost as if she had her own news column!

Born May 4, 1926, to George and Josephine Haertel, Evelyn, who was 92 days shy of her 100th birthday, was born in her home in Union City. She grew up there attending Hudson School, Emerson High School and Drake Business College. This led to a career as a secretary, bookkeeper and administrative assistant, for companies like Van Houten & Sherwood Co. of Jersey City; Blickman Inc. of Weehawken; Transamerican Freight Co. of Secaucus; Graham Stationary Co. of NYC; Excelsior Industrial Equipment Co.; Banta Machine Co. of Ridgefield Park; and Excalibur Bael & Bakery Equipment of Paramus; which probably explains her “font like”, impeccable handwriting.

A true patriarch, Evelyn enjoyed being the head of her family, representing one of 4 generations until her passing. She was the mother of 3, grandmother of 4 and great-grandmother of 8. She leaves behind her daughter Janice (Liptai) Deutsch and her family, Allison (Liptai) and Donald Beshada and their 3 children Abby, Lauren and Emily; Steven and Darlene (Sobrepeña) Liptai and their daughter, Chloe; a son, Allan, and his wife Karen and their children and families, Allan Bonin Jr. and his children Sienna, Savanna and Logan; Catharine (Bonin) Sciacca and her daughter Luna. Evelyn is predeceased by her son Ronald (1975), her companion Alfred R. McClure (2011) and Allan Jr’s wife Lisa (2025).

Evelyn's love and commitment to the VFW and the Auxiliary ran deep, and it’s how she spent a great deal of her time, serving in several capacities on local, district and state levels. Her story began in 1956, 70 years ago, when she became a member of the then Secaucus Memorial Ladies Auxiliary #3776 – and, while it has been known as the VFW Auxiliary since 2015, Evelyn always referred to it by its original name. As a life member she served as secretary, treasurer and chaplain until she became president holding that title for over 50 years until her recent passing.

Evelyn has also been a life member of the VFW National Home, Eaton Rapids, Michigan for over 50 years. The VFW National Home assists military, veterans, and their families with children, by creating a foundation of services and resources to achieve their personal and family goals to move forward in a positive, safe and healthy environment.

One of her proudest accomplishments was her time spent facilitating and growing the Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy essay programs locally, she has served as the auxiliary chairperson of this program since 1972, even taking on the position of State Chairman along the way. This past year a Secaucus HS student won the local and district competitions, going all the way to state. Evelyn was grateful for the schools never-ending support giving opportunity for thousands of students to stop, think and write about patriotic themes. It was her hope that these steps would lead them to a greater love of country, increased admiration for our military or lives full of service themselves one day.

As a member of District 3 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary she served as guard, conductress, chaplain and both Junior and Senior Vice President until becoming President from 1973-1974. She continued her district work serving as District Secretary from 1974- present.

Evelyn was also a member of the Past Districts Club of the New Jersey Ladies Auxiliary serving as guard, chaplain, secretary, VP and then President in 1970.

On the state level Evelyn served as Secretary for the New Jersey Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Auxiliary from 1982-1985 and was state chairman for the Voice of Democracy patriotic essay program from 1976-1977.

Evelyn also enjoyed her time working with the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs. Organized and federated in 1953, she served as President from 1991-1992.

It goes without saying Evelyn's passing will leave a huge hole in many lives. So, the next time you pick up a newspaper, read a book, go to the movies, send a greeting card to someone, see a feral cat, or attend an event in Secaucus, think of Evelyn. And if you want to honor her memory the best thing you can do is attend a Vietnam Memorial service, a Memorial Day parade or a Veterans Day service in Secaucus or where you live.

A visitation for Evelyn will be held Wednesday, February 11 from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Mack Memorial Home, 1245 Paterson Plank Road, Secaucus, NJ 07094. A private interment will be held on Thursday, February 12 at The Evergreens Cemetery, Brooklyn, NY.

Evelyn always loved flowers but if you’d like to honor her memory by making a donation, please send gifts on her behalf to

Secaucus Animal Shelter

Attn: Kristi Heller

525 Meadowlands Parkway

Secaucus, NJ 07094

Memo: In memory of Evelyn M Bonin/special project

Veterans of Foreign Wars #3776

1400 Paterson Plank Road

Secaucus, NJ 07094

Memo: In memory of Evelyn M Bonin/sign board