Robert (Bob) S. Kaplan
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Robert (Bob) S. Kaplan, 86, of Princeton, NJ, on April 26, 2026.
Born in New York City and raised in Sunnyside and Woodhaven, Bob was the first in his family to graduate from college. He earned his BA degree from Queens College and went on to earn a MA in Urban Planning in North Carolina. He started his career in Baltimore, MD, then in Camden and Newark, where he worked for HUD (the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development).
Throughout his life Bob preferred the scenic route to the fastest road — a fitting description of a life lived with curiosity and purpose. With his daughters, Karen and Debbie, Bob was a thoughtful listener and steady source of guidance.
While on a hike Bob met his beloved wife, Barbara. At the end of the hike before she drove away, Bob asked for her phone number, and that led to nearly 35 years of marriage filled with companionship, travel, and deep love.
After living 30 years in Caldwell, NJ, Bob and Barbara moved to Princeton Windrows, a community near his daughters Karen and Debbie. In the community he planned trips and activities, and he continued his love of hiking, biking, gardening, birding, travel, reading, and photography — some of which earned awards.
Bob was deeply committed to his values, marching for civil rights in the 1960s and more recently attending a rally in Princeton with his grandson Adam.
Though an only child, Bob built a large and loving family who will remember him for his kindness, intellect, and adventurous spirit. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the journeys he inspired.
He is survived by Barbara, his children, Karen Chu (Chris), Debbie (Brad Teach), their mother Lilian Gaber Kaplan, and Barbara’s sons Charles Hopp (Sara) and Robert Hopp (Sherri). His grandchildren, Kayla, Jared, Adam, Tyler, Kyle, Dalyla, Nelson, Siobhhan, and Sophie were a source of joy to him. His granddaughter Lydia predeceased him.
Funeral services were held on April 29 at The Jewish Center of Princeton, with burial at Princeton Cemetery.
Memorial contributions are respectfully requested to: Doctors Without Borders, Anti-Defamation League, Chai Lifeline, and Queens College Foundation.
Arrangements are by Orland’s Ewing Memorial Chapel. For condolences, please visit OrlandsMemorialChapel.com/Robert-Kaplan.
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Preston R Eckmeder, Jr.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Preston R. Eckmeder, Jr., beloved husband and father, all around newspaper man, and cherished friend, who left this world peacefully on April 19, 2026, at the age of 94. Born on August 9, 1931, in Kingston, Pennsylvania, Preston was a longtime Hopewell Valley resident and for the past 31 years a resident of Solebury Township, PA.
Preston was a United States Army veteran. He was employed for 35 years by Town Topics newspaper in Princeton, NJ, holding almost every position possible from photographer, sports and crime writer, ad man, and sometimes delivery person. He truly loved his job and looked forward to going to work every day.
His faith and belief in God were of utmost importance to him. At the time of his passing, he was a member of Forest Grove Presbyterian Church, Forest Grove, PA.
Predeceased by his parents, Preston R. and Jane (Johnson) Eckmeder, Sr.; his first wife Carole Eckmeder; sister and brother-in-law, June and David Hoeschele.
Preston is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Carol Eckmeder; six children and their spouses, Bruce and Jenny Eckmeder, Lynn and Chanh Tran, Amy Elliott, Richard and Christina Eckmeder, Carrie and Vince Mulray, Robert and Christine Patterson. Also surviving are 17 grandchildren, seven of whom are married, and 12 great-grandchildren. From a blended family of eight, he ended up blessed by one of nearly 50. He loved being with his family.
Graveside services were held privately at the Harbourton Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Forest Grove Presbyterian Church, 1856 Forest Grove Road, Furlong, PA 18925, with a receiving line beginning at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Preston’s memory may be made to the Church. Arrangements are under the care of the Blackwell Memorial Home, Pennington, NJ.
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Oriel Kathleen Elizabeth Quinlan
Oriel Kathleen Elizabeth Quinlan (née Somerville) was born in 1943 in London, England, to Ormond and Edith Somerville. She was the second of four girls, a younger sister to Vivienne and an older sister to Rosemary and Geraldine.
Oriel had an adventurous spirit, moving to Washington, D.C., alone at age 21 to work as a secretary. She then relocated by herself to Rome, where she lived for three years and worked at the UN. On a visit back to the States, she met and married her husband of 52 years, David Quinlan. Oriel and David had one daughter, Blythe, born in NYC in 1976.
From 1977 on, Oriel lived in the Princeton area and spent decades doing extensive volunteer work with Princeton Hospital, the YWCA, HiTops, Loaves and Fishes, Families in Transition, Eastern Service Workers Association, and more. She loved opera and theatre, and was passionate about U.S. politics even before becoming a citizen in 1992.
Oriel was a devoted friend, sister, daughter, aunt, cousin, wife, and mother. For the last 20 years she has been a full-time doting grandmother to her four grandchildren, Cyrus, ChengHai, Ivy, and XinLe Cordle.
Oriel is survived by her husband, daughter, grandchildren, and sisters, along with much extended family and many dear friends.
There will be a memorial at the Princeton Marriot at Forrestal on May 30 at 2 p.m.
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Marjorie Goebel Wallace
Marjorie Goebel Wallace, “Happy,” 89, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, died peacefully at home on May 1 with her children Chris and Margie by her side. She was predeceased by the love of her life, Jack Wallace, who died exactly one year prior. The beautiful timing of this reunion of Happy and Jack is a continued celebration of their loving partnership.
She was also predeceased by her parents, Marjorie Jones Goebel, Amy Downing Goebel, and Herman “Hank” Goebel and her son John, who died from AIDS in 1990. In addition to her children, Happy is survived by her son-in-law, Peter; daughter-in-law Elizabeth, six grandchildren: Chris Gibson (Katie Kwon-Gibson), Katie Gibson, Cordy Gibson, Coby Gibson, John Wallace, and Lila Wallace; and her great-granddaughter Lucie Kwon-Gibson.
Happy was born in Cincinnati, OH, on November 24, 1936. Due to her father serving as a Colonel in the U.S. Army, Happy grew up in many places, including overseas in Trieste, and domestically in Ohio, Idaho, California, Illinois, New York, and North Carolina. She graduated from Washington-Lee High School in Arlington, Virginia, in 1954. After graduating from Duke University in 1958, Happy landed in New York City. Soon after arriving, she met Jack and her life took a quick turn. Happy and Jack married in 1959 and moved out to their forever home, Princeton, NJ. After a brief stint as a secretary at ETS, Happy focused all of her beautiful energy on raising and building her family and growing roots in her beloved community.
Throughout her years in Princeton she spent time with the Garden Club of Princeton, the Present Day Club, and the Bedens Brook Club. She was an original member of the first all-women’s investment group. Additionally, Happy volunteered in several capacities, including as a member of the Altar Guild at All Saints Church, a parent volunteer at Princeton Day School, and as an auxiliary board member of Princeton University’s McCosh Infirmary. Happy was an original founder of the Princeton Area Community Foundation’s Fund for Women and Girls.
Upon Jack’s retirement, Happy and Jack traveled extensively on beautiful trips around the globe with friends and family. In more recent years, Happy’s favorite pastimes were playing weekly bridge games, attending monthly book club gatherings, and enjoying Princeton Symphony Orchestra concerts.
Happy will always be remembered for her selfless kindness and her enduring positivity. While never grabbing the spotlight, her quiet presence among her family and friends was comforting, warm, and welcoming. Happy always delighted in knowing what her loved ones were up to; she knew where her flock was and what each of their latest interests and pursuits were. Happy was most joyful in the company of her family; the next best happiest moments were engaging text exchanges, phone calls, and face times with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. Her loved ones are forever grateful to have had these moments of connection right up to the very end.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Trinity Church, Princeton, NJ, on Tuesday, June 9 at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to HomeFront NJ, The Chubby’s Project, or any other cause meaningful to Happy’s legacy.
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Katherine “Kay” (Cassidy) Heidere
Katherine “Kay” (Cassidy) Heidere passed away on May 2, 2026, surrounded by her family. Born October 25, 1941 in Philadelphia, the youngest daughter of James and Mary Cassidy. Growing up in Rittenhouse Square and vacationing in Strathmere, NJ, Kay and her sister Patricia were surrounded by a close extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Kay and Pat were best friends and would talk every morning until Pat’s death in 1997.
Kay graduated from St. Mary Catholic High School and the School of Nursing at Georgetown University. Her schoolmates remember her as a social butterfly, a great dancer, and an avid reader. She was an active alumnus of both schools, attending reunions and summer lecture classes. A great fan of basketball, Kay spent many weekends cheering on St. Joseph’s Prep and the Georgetown Hoyas Basketball Team on TV.
Kay moved to Princeton, NJ, in 1971. She was active with the League of Women Voters and the Princeton Senior Resource Center, now known as the Center for Modern Aging, Princeton.
Kay was a home health and hospice nurse with Princeton Medical Center. She viewed caring for others, especially at the end of life, as a privilege. She forged lifelong friendships with her fellow nurses, who remember her infectious laugh, compassion, curiosity about others, and matter-of-fact management style. Kay’s dinner parties were legendary among the Home Care team. She retired as the Assistant Director of Volunteer Services. The 1100+ hospital volunteers were multigenerational and Kay knew every volunteer by name.
A lifelong lover of music, the arts played a significant role in her social life. Kay would attend performances at The Metropolitan Opera, the Boston Pops, and shows at McCarter Theatre Center. In retirement, she would host singers and musicians from Westminster Choir College and the Princeton Opera Festival.
Kay is survived by her three daughters Susan Heidere (Michael Simko), Elizabeth Heidere, and Katie Heidere (Scout Broadhead) and grandsons Carter Simko and Alex Simko. She is also survived by her niece Julie Christoph (Blake Christoph), nephew Patrick O’Brien (Karen O’Brien), and grandnephew Seamus O’Brien as well as many beloved friends, extended family, and colleagues.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Modern Aging Princeton: cmaprinceton.org/donate.
A memorial mass will be held on Friday June 19, 2026 at Old St. Joseph’s Catholic Church at 321 Willings Alley, Philadelphia. Arrive at 9 a.m., mass at 10 a.m. A lunch reception will follow.