Margaret Gruenling

After a long and fulfilling life of 85 years, Margaret (Janco) Gruenling passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at the Rose Garden Nursing Home in Toms River, New Jersey. A devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, Margaret was known for her kindness, generosity, strength and optimism.

Born in Palmerton, Pennsylvania, Margaret moved to Irvington, New Jersey at a young age. She attended Irvington High School and went on to become a Secretary for Public Service Transportation in Newark, NJ. Soon after, she met the love of her life, John A. Gruenling. They married in 1961, settled in Irvington and started a family. That is when Margaret became a dedicated mother and homemaker. In 1980, the family moved to Union, New Jersey where she continued raising their three sons.

Over the years, some of her favorite hobbies were collecting Hummels, Depression glass, and antiques. She and her friends formed the Pik-ettes, a club that bought lottery tickets and got together to see if they won, which became a great excuse to have fun girls nights. She also enjoyed playing the slots in Atlantic City and admiring the Victorian homes in Cape May with her husband.

Once their boys were older, Margaret returned to work as an Office Manager for Air Man Heating and Cooling. She then attended the Drake College of Business in Elizabeth, NJ and after graduation worked there as an Administrative Assistant until she retired. At that time, Margaret moved to Toms River, NJ where she enjoyed socializing with her neighbors and playing mah-jongg. When she eventually entered the Rose Garden Nursing Home, she quickly became a favorite amongst the staff and other residents, known for her sweet and easy going demeanor, her resilience, and always warm smile. She often leaned on her faith, and prayed the Rosary both on her own and with the other residents. She liked to participate in many activities at the Rose Garden, and earned a reputation as a champion bingo player, winning so often that she could treat her grandkids to rolls of quarters when they came to visit. She will be sorely missed by all.

She is survived by two sons, Michael Gruenling (Laura) of Iselin, NJ, and John P. Gruenling (Michele) of Marlboro, NJ; four grandchildren, Michael Gruenling, Amanda Quijano (Nick), Anthony Gruenling, and Alex Gruenling, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Margaret is predeceased by many loved ones including her late husband, John A. Gruenling; her son, Stephen Gruenling; her parents, Philip and Mary Janco; her sisters, Helen Stromp and Irene Dassing, and her brother-in-law, Robert Dassing.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 14th from 3:00 – 7:00 PM at Gosselin Funeral Home, 660 New Dover Road, Edison, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 15th at 10:15 AM at Saint Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, 1212 Kelly Street, Union, NJ. Interment to follow at Hollywood Memorial Park and Cemetery, Union, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

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