Obituary of Myrna Sciabica

Family. There was nothing more important to Myrna Sciabica than being with and thinking of her family. Her happiest times were when her entire family was together and her commemorative toast before a meal was always “Here’s to family!”.

Mryna was born in Elizabeth, NJ on May 11, 1930, and died on October 18, 2022 in her home surrounded by her family.

Myrna’s parents were of Irish and German descent, and she adored her “baby twin brothers” Jerry and George.  It was only years later, after marrying Joe and being surrounded by his mother and six sisters, that she realized she was also Italian (and had great pride in telling everyone).

Her favorite story to tell was of one summer day in 1949. Little did Myrna Hughes know that the first time she traveled from her home in Elizabeth, to Wildwood at the Jersey shore, that she was about to meet the love of her life, Joseph Sciabica. Her future husband regaled her with stories and the day was captured in a boardwalk game booth photo of the handsome couple, a centerpiece of many future family stories. They were married in 1952, honeymooned in Florida, and then resided in New Brunswick, then North Brunswick New Jersey when Terri and Jack were born.  

Myrna and Joe's family grew when Terri and Jack married Andy & Peggy.  Myrna and Joe adored both and thought of them as their son and daughter.  Soon after, the family grew with the births of Olivia, Maggie, Joey and Katie.  Their family was complete, and many wonderful years followed.

“Dia” to her first grandchild, Olivia, and Nana to Maggie, Joey, and Katie.  The name didn’t matter.  It was the hugs that counted and the assurance that no matter how much they told her that they loved her, her response was always “No, I love you more”. 

As her family was important to her, so were her friendships.  She had friends that lasted a lifetime beginning at age three with her next-door neighbors, Irma (her maid of honor), Renee and Marcel.  83 years later, Myrna, Marcel and Renee met in Florida to be together and reminisce.  During her working years as an Administrative Assistant, she added a few more of these precious friends.  She met Aldona when she worked at Squibb Pharmaceuticals in the 50s/60s and Jeanne when she worked at Boy scouts of America in the 70s/80s.  Then, she met Sally when she worked at Linwood Junior High School in North Brunswick in the 80s.  All were dear friends for the remainder of her life.

And then there were the friendships Myrna formed latest in life when she moved to Brightview Senior Living in Randolph, NJ in 2017.  She befriended everyone, adored the residents and staff and her caregiver (and friend) Eliana.  Her favorite time of the day was meeting "the ladies" for happy hour and dinner.

The things that Myrna loved most in life were big holiday dinners, Sundays with her family, entertaining, Rutgers’s football games, the beach, family vacations, shopping, and of course, ice cream. 

Myrna (Hughes) Sciabica was predeceased by her parents, Gertrude and George Hughes, husband, Joseph Sciabica and her brother George Hughes.  She is survived by her daughter Terri Christmann (Andrew), Jack Sciabica (Peggy), grandchildren Olivia Christmann, Maggie Sciabica, Joey Sciabica, and Katie Sciabica, along with her brother Jerry Hughes, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Viewing is Sunday, October 23rd from 4-7pm at the Branchburg Funeral Home in Branchburg, NJ (908) 526-7638.  Funeral mass at St. Mary’s Mount Virgin Church, New Brunswick, NJ on Monday, October 24^th at 11am, followed by Entombment at St. Peter's Cemetery in New Brunswick, NJ.

Donations can be made in her memory to St. Jude’s Research Hospital.

"Forever in our Hearts"