Martha Jane Vanderslice (née Scheetz). William Shakespeare said “Though she be but little, she is fierce”. No one had a more fierce love of life than our little dynamo known as Martha (Marty) Jane Vanderslice (née Scheetz), who passed away on July 6th, 2021, literally surrounded by her family and an outpouring of love.
Marty was born in Norristown, PA on August 17th, 1925. One of seven children, she grew up with a love of horses and was a passionate participant in sports, which was ahead of her time. But that would all take a back seat when she met her Harry! Marty met Harry Vanderslice on a sidewalk in Norristown and they were immediately smitten… soon they were married and moved to Ocean City to create their own version of Camelot. Over the next eleven years they welcomed Victoria (Carl), Harry (Dawn), Valerie (Jack), Tara (jack), Scott (Kathy), Stephanie (Frank), Courtney (Richard), and Coco (Bruce). The Vanderslices quickly established themselves as one of the most involved and athletic families in town. The Little League baseball fields at 35th street were ultimately named after Harry for his contributions to Ocean City’s youth. Every ship has a captain and there was no doubt who was the queen of 29th street. Marty ran a tight ship and earned and proudly wore the nickname of “The Warden”. Breakfast for 20 or a barbecue for 60 with Nanny’s famous burgers never intimidated her. She did it all with a smile and an occasional “Spit a brick“. Harry was the love of her life, but nothing compared to her fierce pride, love, and devotion to her 8 children, 21 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. She thrived in the bustling house that some would characterize as chaos, but which she saw as a representation of love, life, and laughter. No party was complete without Nan dancing in the center of the circle and giving all the boys kisses! In her final days she was comforted by a set of caregivers whose extraordinary dedication to Marty prepared her for her journey. Their compassion, kindness, and patience were remarkable and each of them has a place in our family’s heart.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband Harry Vanderslice, her parents William and Anna Scheetz, and her siblings Pete Scheetz (Jessie), Doris Scheetz, and Sis Hood (Bob). Her surviving siblings are Gordon Scheetz (Ginny), Ethel Buckwalter (Bucky), and Joan Cox (Al). While the lights of 29th street are a bit dimmer today, they will always shine as a beacon of the “Slice” of heaven Marty and Harry built.
Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Tuesday, July 13th at 12 o’clock at Lady of Good Council St. Damian’s Parish, 40th street, Ocean City, NJ. A wake will be held prior to the mass from 9:00 to 11:30. Burial will follow in Seaside Cemetery, Palermo, NJ. Burial was in Seaside Cemetery, Palermo, NJ. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Harry Vanderslice/Jack Davis Scholarship Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 146, Ocean City, NJ 08226. For condolences to the family, visit www.godfreyfuneralhome.com
