RoseMary Soltis Cheek of Tinton Falls, New Jersey entered eternal rest on December 30, 2019. She was born in Long Branch, New Jersey, on October 22, 1949, the third daughter of John and Rozalia Soltis. She lived in Long Branch for twelve years and then moved to West Long Branch where she lived for 50 years until moving to Seabrook Village in Tinton Falls, New Jersey in 2003. RoseMary graduated from Long Branch High School, Glassboro State College, (now Rowan University), and received her Master of Arts degree from Teachers College Columbia University. She was employed by the Oceanport Board of Education for 10 years as a first and second grade teacher. RoseMary was born with limited vision and it became worse in her mid-thirties and she could no longer teach. She always had a deep love for babies and young children and had wanted to be a first-grade teacher ever since she was in first grade. She continued working with children as a Cub Scout Den Mother, Sunday School and Vacation Bible School teacher, and as a school volunteer at the Mahalia F. Atchinson School.
In Tinton Falls, once she moved to Seabrook Village, she was active in veteran’s affairs along with her late husband, Sterling, and she was a past President of the Department of New Jersey Military Order of the Purple Heart Ladies Auxiliary as well as past President of Chapter 1776. She was also a member of the Atonement Lutheran Church of Asbury Park and was past council member, Sunday School and Bible School teacher, president of the Lutheran Church Women, and Altar Guild at the church. At Seabrook she was a member of the Welcoming Committee, School Volunteers, Low Vision Group, Pet Club, Gala Committee and she started the Seabrook Blankie Makers, a group of women who knitted and crocheted blankets for babies in need. She was awarded the MOVER (Most Outstanding Volunteer Effort Recognition) Award for her volunteer efforts at Seabrook. An avid knitter, she made over 900 blankets for babies. At Seabrook she also enjoyed playing cards and games with a few friends. She was a loving and caring person who did much despite her poor vision and she will be missed by all especially her beloved dog Mazie Grace.
She was predeceased by her parents, John and Rozalia Soltis; her sisters, Beatrice Smith and Margaret Berry; and her beloved husband of 35 years, Sterling C. Cheek Jr. She is survived by her son John Sterling and several nieces and nephews.
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