Janet May Sella

Born in Asbury Park to the late Carl and Eleanor Auf der Heide, Janet graduated from Cliffside Park High School in 1948. In 1955 she married her late husband, George J. Sella Jr., and together they shared 67 devoted years raising their family in Princeton, Basking Ridge, North Carolina, and finally settling in Fredon, NJ. Janet stayed home to raise her five children, dedicating her time to creating a warm and nurturing home and always putting her family and friends at the center of her life.

When Janet’s children grew up, she decided to go into business for herself by opening Violet’s and Lace Lingerie. She enjoyed working alongside her friends and later, with the help of her husband, opened up The Gazebo Plaza on Newton Sparta Rd. Her next venture would be to open up a children’s boutique alongside her lingerie shop called, Lollipop’s C hildren’s Boutique. Janet loved outfitting local children in beautiful clothing and christening gowns.

In recent years, she was quite fond of her cat, Aran, who brought her genuine joy and companionship. Since her childhood, Janet was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and treasured the few times she was able to attend games with her daughter Carlie. She also loved watching old movies and when arriving at her home you'd either hear the baseball game on, or Judy Garland’s voice echoing through the halls.

Janet loved spending time in her home on LBI with her family and friends, but she held a special fondness for her time spent on the harbor of Newport, Rhode Island. Janet’s talent for interior design was evident in her beautifully decorated home, where she always found ways to enhance its charm and comfort. Her eye for detail and creative flair made every space she touched truly unique. On Thanksgiving, you’d always find the table set with meticulous detail, and small presents adorning each seat. She had a way of making Christmas morning at her home feel warm and inviting when her grandchildren came. For years they would all get matching stuffed animals and the gifts were always wrapped with beautiful bows and ribbons. Her love of hosting and making the people around her feel special was one of her most treasured qualities.

Janet leaves fond memories to her children Carlie Sella, Jaime Sella, Lorie Loughborough and husband Joe, Michael Sella and wife Darcy; and her daughter-in-law Donna Sella. She will be deeply missed by her 14 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A private ceremony by the sea will take place with her family. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Janet's memory may be made to the Karen Ann Quinlan Foundation, 99 Sparta Ave, Newton, New Jersey 07860; or to Fredon Fire and Rescue, 443 Route 94, Newton, New Jersey 07860.