Stella Merunka

Stella Merunka of Keyport, NJ formerly from Hillsborough, NJ passed away during the early morning hours of Monday, October 29, 2018 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick, in the company of her daughters. Born on February 11, 1934 to Eugene Kelley and Sophie Deptuch Kelley in the borough of Manhattan, NY, she later moved to Hillsborough, NJ to build her legacy as wife, devoted mother, and precious friend. Stella is survived by her children Mark, Frank, Robert, MaryAnn Cirone, Michael and Sophia Lamberson and was lovingly escorted to Heaven's gate by her youngest son, Matthew. In life, Stella was adored by many grandchildren and great-grandchild. She leaves behind a very special sister, Maryann Sullivan and her brother Arthur "Artie" Kelley. Stella was predeceased by her husband, Frank Merunka. Known as Mom to more than just her children, she was notorious for always "making room for one more" and "throwing another box of spaghetti in the pot" for those in need of a warm place to stay, a hot meal or love. She was a woman of unwavering strength and power, a warrior having survived staged four cancer and its residual effects over the last twenty years. She was a proud member of the "Piano Sisters," an elite collection of the most amazing women to walk among us. Her fondest memories included Girlie Weekends at the Jersey Shore, diner tours and trips just about anywhere with her sisters. She was the matriarch of an enormous family and became a bit of a legend in her own right. As her family grew so did her heart. She had an infectious laugh that will be terribly missed. Friends and family are welcome to attend the funeral service on Friday, November 2 at 10:00 am at St. Joseph's Catholic Church (Our Lady of Fatima Parish) at 376 Maple Place followed by a Celebration of Life Gathering on the waterfront at the Uptown, 32 Broad Street, Keyport at noon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations made to the Keyport First Aid Squad who took great care of her at the most critical moments over the last two years. Donations can be mailed to PO Box 168, Keyport, and NJ 07735 or made online at keyportfirstaid.org. Services are entrusted to Jersey Shore Cremation Service, 36 Broad Street, Manasquan, NJ.