Obituary of Maryann Smith

Maryann Smith, 78 of Toms River died on Saturday, July 2, 2022. Maryann was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and lived in Lancaster, Pennsylvania before moving to New Jersey. She lived in Ocean Gate and Lavallette before settling in Toms River with her husband in 1965. Maryann was the center of her family and was a strong, intelligent, compassionate, and funny woman. She had a smile that would light up the room and she made a difference in the lives of everyone that she met. She was an amazing teacher and friend and had the best advice that she would offer to anyone who needed it. She loved being out in nature, playing games, traveling, and especially spending time with her family. Several friends of the family have said that she was the best person they’ve ever known, and her family could not agree more. Maryann started her career as an adjunct professor teaching Biology and Nursing courses at Ocean County College, Brookdale Community College, Georgian Court College, and Monmouth University. After a few years, she was hired as a full-time professor at Brookdale Community College where she taught until her retirement this June. She loved interacting with her students, helping them succeed, and learning about current science topics. Over the years, Maryann was part of the Cattus Island Advisory Council and the Saint Joseph’s Parish Hospitality Ministry. She enjoyed helping to preserve the park and working with the greeters at the church. She was also a volunteer leader in Boys Scouts and Girls Scouts for many years and enjoyed helping the youth learn and grow through fun and educational experiences. Maryann is predeceased by her parents Joseph and Dorothy Wright Wilkinson and her son-in-law Richard Chandler. Surviving are her husband of 57 years, Robert Smith; her children Cindy Claus and her husband Chris, Lisa Chandler, Rob Smith and his wife Laurie, all of Toms River, Jason Smith and his wife Patti of Denver, NC, and Sara Marcinak and her husband Mike of Severna Park, MD; her siblings Eileen Creamer and Joan Burns; her fourteen grandchildren, Shane Chandler, Jessica Smith, Michael Smith, Kayla Chandler, Hannah Claus, Jason Smith, Devon Smith, Ava Claus, Logan Chandler, Abigail Smith, Ian Chandler, Joey Smith, Mikaela Marcinak, and Adam Smith; and numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews. Donations in her memory to Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, Pinelands Preservation Alliance, or a charity of your choice, would be appreciated.