Obituary of Eva Lou McLaren

Eva Lou McLaren, 95, of Columbus, NJ passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, February 12, 2025.  She was born in Nutley, raised in Tennent/Manalapan, and lived in Jerseyville and Freehold before settling in Columbus in 1988.  Eva worked as a mutual clerk mini dealer and counter for the NJ Sports & Exposition Authority in East Rutherford for 25 years where she created many lasting friendships. 

She was giving of her time and had served as a leader of the 4H Rough Riders Horse Club in Howell and Freehold in the 70s.  In retirement Eva was secretary, treasurer and bookkeeper at Blairwood Farms, her family owned and operated standard bred horse farm. Living and working on the farm was a role she embraced and was very proud of.  Eva was multi-faceted in her interests and could be found spending time on the beach in LBI, riding in her golf cart, baking, cooking, canning, gardening, and doing yard work.  She enjoyed trips to the Caribbean Islands and Hawaii where she would go snorkeling.  A strong and independent woman, Eva was also known to be a sassy and fast driver.  An animal lover, Eva had many beloved dogs and cats throughout her life. Her most treasured role was as a devoted “gram” to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

She was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Everett Stuart McLaren in 2011.  Eva is survived by her children, Everett McLaren, Leslie McLaren and Susan Blanchet and her husband, Thomas II; grandchildren, Kenneth Everett Blanchet, Blair Phyllis Blanchet-Hampton and her husband, Brett and Sara June Blanchet; great grandchildren, Leigha June Ricci, Gavin Thomas Hampton and Chevelle Merlot Bailey; caregivers, Dolly Johnson and Becky Martin; and her faithful companion blue heeler, Patch.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral service at Old Tennent Church, 454 Tennent Road, Manalapan at 12:30 PM on Friday, February 21, 2025.  Interment will follow in Old Tennent Cemetery, 454 Tennent Road, Manalapan.  For those who desire, memorial contributions in Eva’s name may be made to New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program, 719 Dolan Lane, Lexington, KY 40511, Dementia Society of America, Post Office Box 600, Doylestown, PA 18901 or Tunnel to Towers, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306.  All arrangements are under the direction of the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, Freehold Township. For information, directions or to leave condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com .