Grace S. Chencharik

Grace Chencharik left behind a legacy of strength and love when she passed from this world on December 9th, 2023. Her life was a tapestry woven with passion and purpose.

She was born 103 years ago to Julius and Mary Seman. She spent much of her young life in Rahway with her beloved sister Anna and brother Julius. In 1937 she married her childhood sweetheart, Michael Chencharik. Together, they were blessed with 2 daughters Carol and Grace Ann. A woman of great determination and perseverance, she lead the young family in a 10 year project of building their forever home in Colonia, NJ. She had a talent for spacial awareness and single-handedly designed the house which was ahead of it's time. She and Mike worked side by side to construct the house and make it a home filled with many happy memories.

In 1970, she started a spiritual journey to understand the word of God. She diligently studied the Scriptures, seeking the knowledge to deepen her relationship with the Almighty Creator, Jehovah God, and his son, Jesus Christ. Baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses 23 years ago, she continued to gain wisdom and knowledge, which brought her immense joy and peace until her death. Her trust in the promise of being restored to life on a paradise earth, reuniting with her loved ones, never waned.

Grace was an exemplary figure of hard-working dedication in all her endeavors. A talented seamstress, she shared her skills by making beautiful clothes for her family and teaching sewing classes. She was sole proprietor of a bridal salon, Elegant Gowns, which brought her great joy. Her motto was "never stop moving". She was active and self sufficient until a few months before her passing. An avid gardener she took great pride in her property and home. If you couldn't reach her it was because she was in her garden, raking, planting and enjoying nature.

Though she took great pride in her garden nothing brought her more joy than her family. Ever eager to be near them she would sit and play with her great grandchildren, reading them stories and teaching them important lessons along the way. She listened without judgment, made time when there was none, laughed easily and often and offered strength in times of uncertainty.  Her spirit will be dearly missed.

May her life inspire us to have great determination in the pursuit of our dreams, and great passion for our families.

A beloved daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Grace fulfilled many roles during her long life. She is survived by her daughters Carol Rusznak of Dana Point, CA and Grace Ann Meyn who resides in Westfield, NJ with her husband Robert. She leaves behind three grandchildren, Michael Rusznak who lives in Aliso Viejo, CA with his wife Ivana; Shay Schimmelman who lives in Laguna Hills, CA with her husband Kevin; and Michelle Forbes who resides in Brick, NJ with her husband Kyle. Grace was also a proud great grandmother to Rayce, Ethan and Jacqueline, and her little loves Jack (8) and Axel (5).

Everyone she touched is welcome to attend her visitation and service Saturday, December 16, 2023 from 10am-12pm at the Gosselin Funeral Home, 660 New Dover Road, Edison NJ. Committal will follow at Woodbridge Memorial Garden Mausoleum.

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