Zoé Van Antwerp Wells

Zoé Van Antwerp Wells, a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and devoted aunt died peacefully at her home on August 18, 2024, at the age of 90. Born on September 19, 1933, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Louise Baber Cattus and James Lee Wells, Zoé lived a full and adventurous life.

Zoé resided in Bryn Mawr, PA; Winter Park, FL; New York City, NY; New Canaan, CT; and Skidaway Island, GA; but she always referred to Bay Head, NJ as “home.” From the age of four, she spent her summers at sleepaway camp (Quinnibeck in Ely, VT). This paved the way for the strong, independent leader that she became.

Zoé, a graduate of The Shipley School and Parsons School of Design, had a multifaceted career. While primarily known for her dedication as a homemaker and volunteer, she also owned successful interior design and stationery businesses.

Zoé's infectious charisma brightened every room. Her Bay Head home was a central gathering place where summers and holidays were filled with laughter and joy. She opened up her house to friends, friends of friends, and friends of friends of friends. You may have seen Zoé walking her dearest Fido along East Avenue, riding her tricycle, flagging down the Good Humor man, navigating Strictly Go-Go, needlepointing Christmas ornaments, baking sticky buns, or serving painkillers on her front porch. She cherished memories of exploring Cattus Island and the idyllic Christmases spent in Lake Placid. Zoé's adventurous spirit led her to travel the world, cultivating a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and a genuine interest in people she encountered.

Zoé dedicated 15 years of tireless service to the borough of Bay Head as a member of the Planning Board and an elected Town Councilwoman. She also served as a Senior Warden at All Saints Episcopal Church. Her legacy at the Bay Head Yacht Club was particularly significant. Zoé was a talented athlete, excelling in sailing and tennis, but she also enjoyed bridge, bocce, and POPS. After years of leadership on numerous club committees, she became the club's first female commodore (1999–2001). Under her guidance, she oversaw the construction of the Merrick Center, a junior sailing center. Her accomplishments were recognized with many awards, including the prestigious Bay Head Bowl.

She is predeceased by her siblings Louise Bristol, Edie Bristol, and Jimmy Wells. Zoé is survived by her daughters Venay Felton, Lucy Banta (Ray), and Caroline Moore (Greg); cherished grandchildren Rebeka Penberg (Joey Colista), Jimmie Banta (Dana), Zora Johnston (Jerome), Emily Shechtman (Matt), and Robin Wolfe (Ryan); and 11 adored great-grandchildren.

Zoé's children extend heartfelt gratitude to family and friends, and to Eunice in tandem with a multitude of other dedicated caretakers whose support and kindness enriched her final year.

Fittingly, she left this world as "In Old Bay Head" echoed through the air from the Bubbles show, a symbolic expression and poignant testament to her love and gratitude for her town.

A celebration of Zoé’s life will be held on Friday, September 6th at 11:00 a.m. at All Saints Episcopal Church, Bay Head, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Caregiver Canines (Caregiver Volunteers of Central New Jersey, caregivervolunteers.org/giving) or Save Barnegat Bay, savebarnegatbay.org.

Services are entrusted to Jersey Shore Cremation, 43 Taylor Avenue, Manasquan, NJ.