Marllyn Ann Fernandez

Obituary of Marllyn (Tully) Fernandez of Bluffton, SC

Lynn Fernandez (more familiarly known to friends and family) passed peacefully on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at the age of 90, while in hospice care at Coastal Carolina Hospital, Hardeeville, SC. Lynn was born in Watervliet, New York, on January 4, 1934, the daughter of the late John J. Tully and Helen (Tully) Mlock.

She is predeceased by her beloved husband, Manuel Lawrence Fernandez, her brothers Jack Gronau, Lawrence Tully, and David Tully, and her grandsons, Michael Kautzmann, James Stewart, and Matthew Fernandez.

Lynn, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, is survived by her brother Timothy (Connie) Tully, residing in Florida, sons Lawrence (Adele) Fernandez, Midlothian, VA, Lon Fernandez, Bethlehem, PA, and daughter Laurie Stewart, Bluffton, SC. She leaves a legacy of love behind with seven grandchildren, Emily Stewart, Jennifer (Charles) Surface, John (Jill) Fernandez, Ryan Fernandez, Tyler Fernandez, Vinny Fernandez, Alyssa (Tony) Calvano, and eleven great-grandchildren, Nolan, Elyse, Marley, Danny, Tommy, Dylan, Annabelle, Cody, Lizzy, Cecilia, and Michael and one more on the way.

Married to the love of her life, she embarked on a journey of adventure and exploration, traversing the United States and beyond during her husband's tenure in the Air Force. Her youthful marriage was a gateway to a life of excitement and discovery. When not on the move, Lynn became a devoted stay-at-home mother of three, accompanying her children from place to place as the Air Force dictated. Her compassion and gift of conversation were unmatched, drawing people to her naturally. She effortlessly made friends wherever she went. After the service, the family settled in Long Island, where she would raise her children in Freeport, New York. Lynn began her professional life for the Freeport School District on Long Island. She worked as a teacher's aide during the years her children were enrolled in the school system from elementary school through Freeport High School graduations.

In 1974, Lynn's husband's position at AT&T moved them to New Jersey, and they bought a home in Randolph, where she lived for thirty-two years. Devout in her faith, Lynn was active in the Catholic parish community of Resurrection Parish in Randolph and loved her role in the Education Program. She shared her faith and love of God by teaching the children to prepare for the sacraments of communion and confirmation. Her spiritual strength was a guiding light in her life and continues to inspire us.

After her husband's passing, Lynn's love for travel took her to new horizons. She fearlessly explored the world with friends from the church, visiting Germany, Amsterdam, Ireland, Italy, France, and Japan, among other places, a testament to her adventurous spirit and love for new experiences.

After nineteen years of cultivating her newfound independence, Lynn relocated to Sun City to escape the harsh winters. She was finally able to unwind in her retirement and relish in the joy of sharing her home with her family as 'beach getaways,' catching up on her family's lives, making new friends, playing dominos, reading, and simply basking in the serenity of her senior years. Lynn's love for her children was boundless, and she took immense pride in their accomplishments and the beautiful families they had established. She was a constant source of support and encouragement, the heart and soul of the family, always there to love and nurture everyone in every aspect of their lives.

Lynn's love for her family was unwavering, and she cherished every moment she spent with them. She enjoyed spending as much time as possible with her family throughout her life and made the time to be a part of everyone's life and forever memories. As the family matriarch, she was deeply loved and will be missed by all.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at a later date at St. Gregory The Great Catholic Church in Bluffton.

At the family's request, a private interment will be held following the mass. Please respect their wishes for a personal and intimate farewell to their loved ones. Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to their favorite charity in memory of Marllyn (Lynn) Fernandez.