Obituary of Ann Shayka

Ann Evelyn Shayka passed peacefully at home on April 30, 2022 surrounded by family.  She shared 99 years of love and faith with her family. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 4th at 1 o’clock in the afternoon at St. Mary’s RC Church, Denville.  Interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover.   Visitation will be held prior to Mass at the Norman Dean Funeral Home beginning at 11 am.  Donations in her name may be made to the good work of St. Mary’s Church, 15 Myers Ave., Denville NJ 07834. 

Ann was born in Newark to the late Paul and Suzanna (née Pramik) Biss.  Newark held many cherished memories including Branch Brook Park and singing in the choir at the Cathedral Basilica. She met her "Silent Knight", Harry Shayka, at Moglia Trucking. Their first date was Christmas Eve Midnight Mass at St. Augustine's where they were married 2 years later, on Valentine's Day 1942. They settled at Indian Lake in 1954 to raise their young family.  Ann was involved with the ILCC, the American Legion Auxiliary and the Rosary Society for many years.  In 1962 she took a job with Warner Lambert. She was proud of her role as an Executive Assistant and was well regarded by others as an exceptional employee. She retired in 1987 after many years of dedicated service. After their retirements, Ann and Harry were fortunate to snowbird in Bradenton, FL for over 30 years and were active members at Saints Peter & Paul. In Florida, Ann volunteered as a tutor in the elementary school as well as the Red Cross.  

Ann was tech savvy, witty and sharp even up until her last days.  She enjoyed her daily crossword puzzles and word games.  Her love of technology made staying in contact with her large extended family easy. She would text, Facetime, Facebook and Zoom to connect with family, friends and church. She was young at heart. She loved sunsets with Harry on the pier, lighthouses, cardinals, hummingbirds and flowers. She knitted and crocheted many special gifts for family and friends. 

Above everything, Ann was devoted to her family.  She truly treasured time with family. Some of her happiest times were family vacations to Wildwood.  Grandchildren were happy for their turn to go with Grandma to pick out the morning donuts. Although we are saddened by her death we take comfort in knowing she is reunited with her beloved Harry once again. 

She leaves beautiful memories to her children Trish Miller, Susan Shayka, Kathleen Summers (James R Summers III), Margerie Grossmann (Paul), Gregory Shayka ((Mary) and Lizbeth Young (David); her adored seventeen grandchildren  John Miller (Amy), Dan Miller, Deborah Bigda (Chris), Michelle Goodsell (Brad), Kimberly Frederick (Marc), Danielle Heitz (Nate), Darlene Summers (Michael Nelson), Jimmy Summers (Jessica), Victoria Henry (Jon), Genevieve Bilotti (Bruce), Aurora Weaver (Matt), Cassandra Grossmann (fiance Matt), Matthew Shayka, Sarah Malkowski (Michael), Joe Shayka, Bethany Young and Trevor Young; her thirty-six treasured great grandchildren; her sister Kay Lawlor and many more loving relatives and friends. Her siblings Margaret, Marie, Jospehine and dear brother Paul passed before her.