June I. Tote age 96, passed away peacefully at home on November 15, 2025. Born in Elizabeth, NJ she resided in New Jersey all of her life, raising her blended family in Long Branch and Eatontown before settling in Tinton Falls.
She began her career at Stern’s Department Store in 1979 and proudly served customers for 20 years until her retirement. Her dedication, elegance, and impeccable style made her one of the most respected and best-dressed associates on staff. She was often regarded as one of Stern’s finest. Always polished, sharp, and classy, she carried herself with grace in everything she did.
A remarkable woman with a generous heart, June opened her home as a foster parent, enriching the lives of children in need while navigating the challenges and joys of “yours, mine, and ours” within a beautifully blended family. She was admired and loved by all who knew her for her strength, kindness, creativity, and unwavering devotion to her family.
June was predeceased by her beloved husband, Gilbert, her mother Julia Heinrich Pearce, her grandson Michael Glimco, and son-in-law Dwight Ransom.
She is survived by her children: Ellen Smith, Janice Ransom, and Carol Purcell (husband Tim), Robert Smith, Joseph Tote (wife Tara), and Walter Tote (wife Doris), and Kathy. She leaves behind her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who adored her, along with nieces, nephews, and extended family. Her legacy of love, tradition, and family devotion will continue to live on through all of them.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
She began her career at Stern’s Department Store in 1979 and proudly served customers for 20 years until her retirement. Her dedication, elegance, and impeccable style made her one of the most respected and best-dressed associates on staff. She was often regarded as one of Stern’s finest. Always polished, sharp, and classy, she carried herself with grace in everything she did.
A remarkable woman with a generous heart, June opened her home as a foster parent, enriching the lives of children in need while navigating the challenges and joys of “yours, mine, and ours” within a beautifully blended family. She was admired and loved by all who knew her for her strength, kindness, creativity, and unwavering devotion to her family.
June was predeceased by her beloved husband, Gilbert, her mother Julia Heinrich Pearce, her grandson Michael Glimco, and son-in-law Dwight Ransom.
She is survived by her children: Ellen Smith, Janice Ransom, and Carol Purcell (husband Tim), Robert Smith, Joseph Tote (wife Tara), and Walter Tote (wife Doris), and Kathy. She leaves behind her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who adored her, along with nieces, nephews, and extended family. Her legacy of love, tradition, and family devotion will continue to live on through all of them.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of June (Pearce) Tote, please visit our flower store.
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