Maryellen Wernick

Maryellen Wernick (nee Smith) of Barnegat, NJ passed away on October 8, 2022 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center after two months of failing health. She was born on May 22, 1949 in New Brunswick, NJ to Ruth (Thompson) Smith and Nelson Smith.
She grew up in Edison, attending Stelton Baptist Church, Stelton School, Thomas Jefferson Middle School, and Edison High School. She studied Fine Arts Education at what is now Kean University and taught art in Edison Township elementary schools for over 30 years.

Along with her husband, Tom, Maryellen loved the beach and all things to do with it. In the warm months, they would joyously host friends and family at their lagoon side home in Barnegat and take their guests on their boat out into Barnegat Bay to fish, crab, or just have a picnic on a favorite island. Retirement allowed them to spend eight winters on the Isles of Capri in Florida.
Retirement also allowed Maryellen the opportunity to hone her already impressive artistic abilities. She became a member of Pine Shores Art Association and studied under Tom Rutledge, working in many mediums: watercolor, gouache, charcoal, pen and ink, and graphite drawing (her favorite). She was a featured artist at the Association's June 2018 exhibit.

Maryellen is predeceased by her parents, Nelson and Ruth. She is survived by Tom, her husband of 43 years; her brother, James, and his wife Barbara, of Metuchen; her nephew, Matt Smith and his wife Robyn, of Metuchen; her niece, Darian Llopis and her husband Jose, of Colonia; great-nieces Catherine, June, and Tessa; and great-nephew Sebastian. To those younger family members, she has always been known and will always be known as "Auntie Em".

Memorial gathering will take place on Monday October 17th, 2022, from 4-7pm. At The Crabiel Home for Funerals located 170 N. Main St. Milltown, NJ 08850. You may sign the online guest book www.crabiel.com