Mary Anne Szymanski

Mary Anne Szymanski, 77, of Toms River, NJ, passed away peacefully at her home, on December 25th, 2018, with her children by her side holding her hand. She was born in Paterson, NJ, on January 30th, 1941, to Leo R. Whittaker and Grace Morgan. Mary Anne was a very strong and caring mother who always put her family first. She was a very talented elementary school art teacher (with a B.A. from Douglass College, NJ) who also ran the Gifted & Talented program for many years at Beach Haven and Ocean Gate elementary schools. She loved teaching and all the kids called her “Mrs. S.”. She retired from teaching in 1998.

Animal lover, beach lover, and art lover, she touched many lives. Mary Anne battled a rare and incurable degenerative brain disease related to Parkinson’s for over six years. Her family is forever grateful for the compassionate care she received in her home from Shore Home Care and Grace Healthcare Services.

Mary Anne is predeceased by her father, Leo R. Whittaker; her mother Grace Morgan; and her younger brother Morgan Whittaker. She is survived by her daughter Lisa Szymanski of Philadelphia, PA; her son Patrick Szymanski and his wife Amy Brinser of Toms River, NJ; two beautiful grandchildren, Lindsey and Sarah Szymanski; and her loyal dog Terry.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 10th, 2019, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM, at the Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main Street, Toms River, NJ 08753. A Prayer Service, followed by remembrances from family members will be held at 8 PM. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donating to Parkinson’s research at the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.