Obituary of Jane Maria Griglak

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Jane Maria Griglak, who passed away peacefully on October 10, 2024, surrounded by her loving family at St. Clare’s Hospital in Dover, NJ. She had spent 67 years of unconditional love, infectious laughter, and unforgettable memories with family and friends alike on this earth.
 
Jane was born on a hot summer day in August of 1957, in Passaic, NJ, to Patricia (Grover) and Steven Emil Griglak. She spent most of her life in Passaic, except for a few years in Maine and the countless summers spent down the Shore, on the beach. Jane was a proud graduate of Pope Pius XII High School in Passaic and attended William Paterson University for two years. Once she found her cherished Cape May, NJ, she found her genuine home, where she remained for the majority of her adult life. She met and married Walid Abdelgawaad in Cape May and they spent many happy years together. She worked for many years at Easter Bakery in Passaic, where she met her friend Helen, a lifelong friend.
 
Jane was a free spirit with an incredible zest for life. She was smart, intuitive, and courageous, always approaching life with strength and a kind heart. She was known for her generosity and selflessness, often stepping in as a caregiver to family and friends, offering comfort without hesitation. A connoisseur of garage sales and flea markets, Jane had an eye for hidden treasures and a passion for adventure in the most unexpected places. She also enjoyed quiet moments with Jeopardy and crossword puzzles, where her sharp mind and love of learning shone brightly. Music was a special part of Jane's life—raised on Broadway shows, she had an enduring relationship with music that brought joy to her heart. She also appreciated time spent at the beach, where the sound of the waves and the salt air made Cape May feel like she was truly at home.
 
Above all, Jane was a deeply spiritual person, following her faith in God and Jesus, and her peaceful spirit touched all who knew her. She was an incredible friend, sister, aunt, daughter, and confidante—always nonjudgmental and an easy person to be around. Her presence was soothing, and her ability to make those around her feel heard and worthy was truly a gift.
 
Jane was a loving sister to Anne Katherine Vieira (Carlos), Stephen Griglak (Eileen Hlista), Susan Waksmundski (Gerard), Patrick Griglak (Cecilia), Ellen Marie Buchner (Bob), and Maggie DeRosa (Rob). She was a devoted aunt to her nieces and nephews: godson, Sean Waksmundski, Kenny Franco, Robbie Griglak, Melissa Buchner, Jackson Tencza, Mea DeRosa, Julia Tencza, and Jillian Tencza. Jane’s family was everything to her, and her legacy will live on for generations.
 
A funeral Mass and a celebration of Jane's life will be planned at a later date. Please leave a condolence and share your favorite memory of Jane here to continue to celebrate her life and let her light shine.
 
May she rest in peace, always loved, forever missed and never forgotten.