Sign In
Ann M. Stefanic
<p><p>Ann Stefanic (née Ostensen), formerly of Rockaway, New Jersey, passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 11, 2026</p></p><p><br></p><p><p>. </p></p><p><br></p><p><p>Ann was born on January 26, 1933, and raised in Brooklyn, New York, before she married her sweetheart George Stefanic and settled in Rockaway</p></p><p><br></p><p><p>.</p></p><p><br></p><p><p>A free spirit who would happily hop on the back of a motorcycle and ride with George and their friends, Ann was also a devoted mother to her two children, Linda and Steven. Over the years she regularly welcomed family and friends into their home, hosting lively summer picnics (featuring family favorites like her Jell-O salad and homemade baked beans) and Thanksgiving dinners so crowded that tables spilled into the living room and down the hallway. As her family grew to include Linda’s husband Mike Simonis and Steven’s wife Sandy, grandchildren Kim Hart (Luke), Wendy Fitzpatrick, Candice Stefanic, and Kyle Stefanic (Jess), and great-grandchildren Ben Hart, Quintin Fitzpatrick, Julia Hart, and Zaeger Fitzpatrick, nothing made Ann happier than spending time with those she loved. She cooked delicious Corned Beef and Cabbage for the family every St. Patrick’s Day to celebrate George’s birthday. She made her grandchildren’s favorite Christmas cookies (chocolate peanut butter chip and Snickerdoodles) to be devoured on Christmas Eve. She even taught Wendy how to make Krumkake in order to carry on that special Norwegian family tradition. We all loved to gather around the table with her.</p></p><p><br></p><p><p> </p></p><p><br></p><p><p>Ann was an avid reader, so when she wasn’t cooking and entertaining, she could be found reading a romance novel or a James Patterson book. She also delighted in socializing over a good board game, card game, or Bingo game. She embraced the adventures that came from traveling the country with George in their RV. She had a blast heading to Atlantic City with George and friends every month to play the slots and eat at the buffets. And she worked on her puzzles – Ann always had a puzzle in progress on the puzzle table. In recent years at The Oaks at Denville, she was fortunate enough still to play Bingo with friends and Uno with her great-grandchildren (and she graciously forgave her great-grandsons when they cheated)</p></p><p><br></p><p><p>.</p></p><p><br></p><p><p>Ann appreciated the simple beauty and pleasures in life: spending time with family and friends, watching the deer and the birds in her backyard, sitting by the ocean just to hear the waves, feel the breeze, and see the boats. Her 93 years were filled with many happy moments.</p></p><p><br></p><p><p>In addition to being survived by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Ann will be lovingly remembered by her sisters-in-law Pat Helton and Georgiana Farnsworth, her lifelong friend Jan Graner, and the kind folks who surrounded and supported her at The Oaks.</p></p><p><br></p><p><p> </p></p><p><br></p><p><p>Ann was predeceased by her loving husband of 68 years, George, her parents, Olav and Gunhild, and her brother, Herbert “Buddy” Ostensen.</p></p><p><br></p><p><p> </p></p><p><br></p><p><p>We know that Ann is at peace and reunited with George, but we will miss her deeply. We loved her very much and she is in our hearts.</p></p>January 26, 1933 - July 11, 202601/26/193307/11/2026
Share Obituary:
Ann M. Stefanic
Tribute wall
T
A candle was posted for Ann M. Stefanic.
E
A candle was posted for Ann M. Stefanic.
1 comment
N
Loading story for Ann M. Stefanic