Obituary for Linda Ann Rey (Romanyshyn)
Linda Ann (Romanyshyn) Rey, of Cranford, New Jersey, entered into eternal life on Thursday December 23, 2021, with her loving and devoted family by her side. The adored “Grandmama” will live on, forever in their hearts.
Cremation services are private. A Memorial Funeral Mass and celebration of Linda’s life will be announced at a future date.
Linda was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, to Michael and Immaculata “Margaret” (San Giorgio) Romanyshyn, part of a large and loving family. She moved to Cranford in 1979 and has lived there ever since, with her devoted husband, Manny.
She attended Oliver Street School and East Side High School before graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree from then Jersey City State College, and advanced degree from Rutger’s State University.
Linda was a first-grade teacher for 38 years at the Ann Street School in Newark prior to retirement in 2011. She was known as “Sweet Linda” and had made such a positive impact on her first-grade students that many of them kept in touch with her well into her retirement. She also considered some of her colleagues her best friends and extended family over the years, specifically the “Fab 5”.
The first-grade teacher that everyone wanted to have, in 1991 Linda’s dedication to her students was acknowledged by receiving the Governor’s “Teacher of the Year Award”. Upon her retirement in 2011 Linda was further recognized by the Benedetto Croce Educational Society for her many years of outstanding service and dedication to the students of the Newark Public Schools.
Linda was a member of the New Jersey Education Association, the Lavallette Yacht Club, and an avid member of the New Jersey Audubon Society. She enjoyed downhill skiing, was an aerobics instructor, horse back rider, and lover of all animals. Above all else, Linda was devoted to her family.
Linda met her beloved husband, Manuel “Manny” Rey, Jr. in Atlantic City in August 1968 and had recently celebrated 44 years of marriage. Best friends in life, they were rarely apart, travelling the world, raising their family, and always saying yes to new adventures. Highlights include Sunday dinners down the shore, salsa dancing to sunrise in Madrid, countless skiing and riding trips, visiting family in Florida, and long walks on the beach collecting sea glass and shells.
She is also survived by her loving daughters, Jaclyn “Jackie” Pennella & son in-law Matthew, Ashley Rey & son in-law George O’Toole, III; dear sister of Michele Arocha & brother in-law Tony, and Dee O’Reilly & brother in-law Tim. She was also survived by her niece Tara O’Reilly, who grew up next door and was like a third daughter. We would be remiss, if we did not acknowledge the countless cousins from down neck, who were like siblings growing up together. Most of all she was known as “Grandmama” by her cherished grandchildren, Natalie, Elise, and recent addition, Rose. Family first always, Linda brought everyone together, laughter never far behind, with her big smile and generous heart. She held on to the end, to meet two day old Rose, before departing. The family will be living in her honor, thinking, “What Would Grandmama do?”, including spoiling her girlies with love. Passing during the holidays was fitting, so they will continue to honor her, together eternally.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Linda’s memory to New Jersey Audubon Society at https://njaudubon.org/ways-to-give/ . A cardinal will never visit without her family thinking of her, and bringing a smile to their faces and warmth to their hearts.
Cremation services are private. A Memorial Funeral Mass and celebration of Linda’s life will be announced at a future date.
Linda was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, to Michael and Immaculata “Margaret” (San Giorgio) Romanyshyn, part of a large and loving family. She moved to Cranford in 1979 and has lived there ever since, with her devoted husband, Manny.
She attended Oliver Street School and East Side High School before graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree from then Jersey City State College, and advanced degree from Rutger’s State University.
Linda was a first-grade teacher for 38 years at the Ann Street School in Newark prior to retirement in 2011. She was known as “Sweet Linda” and had made such a positive impact on her first-grade students that many of them kept in touch with her well into her retirement. She also considered some of her colleagues her best friends and extended family over the years, specifically the “Fab 5”.
The first-grade teacher that everyone wanted to have, in 1991 Linda’s dedication to her students was acknowledged by receiving the Governor’s “Teacher of the Year Award”. Upon her retirement in 2011 Linda was further recognized by the Benedetto Croce Educational Society for her many years of outstanding service and dedication to the students of the Newark Public Schools.
Linda was a member of the New Jersey Education Association, the Lavallette Yacht Club, and an avid member of the New Jersey Audubon Society. She enjoyed downhill skiing, was an aerobics instructor, horse back rider, and lover of all animals. Above all else, Linda was devoted to her family.
Linda met her beloved husband, Manuel “Manny” Rey, Jr. in Atlantic City in August 1968 and had recently celebrated 44 years of marriage. Best friends in life, they were rarely apart, travelling the world, raising their family, and always saying yes to new adventures. Highlights include Sunday dinners down the shore, salsa dancing to sunrise in Madrid, countless skiing and riding trips, visiting family in Florida, and long walks on the beach collecting sea glass and shells.
She is also survived by her loving daughters, Jaclyn “Jackie” Pennella & son in-law Matthew, Ashley Rey & son in-law George O’Toole, III; dear sister of Michele Arocha & brother in-law Tony, and Dee O’Reilly & brother in-law Tim. She was also survived by her niece Tara O’Reilly, who grew up next door and was like a third daughter. We would be remiss, if we did not acknowledge the countless cousins from down neck, who were like siblings growing up together. Most of all she was known as “Grandmama” by her cherished grandchildren, Natalie, Elise, and recent addition, Rose. Family first always, Linda brought everyone together, laughter never far behind, with her big smile and generous heart. She held on to the end, to meet two day old Rose, before departing. The family will be living in her honor, thinking, “What Would Grandmama do?”, including spoiling her girlies with love. Passing during the holidays was fitting, so they will continue to honor her, together eternally.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Linda’s memory to New Jersey Audubon Society at https://njaudubon.org/ways-to-give/ . A cardinal will never visit without her family thinking of her, and bringing a smile to their faces and warmth to their hearts.