Maryann (Chernesky) Tomko

TOMKO, Maryann (Chernesky), died peacefully on Wednesday, August 25, 2021at home with her husband, Steve Tomko, by her side. She was 84 years old.

Born in Manville, NJ on December 10, 1936, she was the daughter of Frank and Philomena Chernesky. She was predeceased by her siblings Bob, Frank, Joe, Gertrude and James. Maryann married her grammar school sweetheart Steve in 1958. She earned her Bachelor degree in Education at Trenton State, and she taught for 29 years at Immaculate Conception school in Somerville, NJ. She loved teaching and her students, and had so many wonderful stories to share about them. She was awarded Teacher of the Year in 1993.

Maryann and Steve retired to Sun City Bluffton, SC in 2002. She continued her teaching as substituting, as well as volunteering at the Hayward House in Bluffton, the Discovery Museum in Hilton Head, and the church office at St. Gregory the Great in Bluffton.

Maryann and Steve enjoyed traveling the world experiencing history, diverse cultures and cuisines. She was a devout Catholic and went on several pilgrimages, including the Holy Land, Fatima and Lourdes.

Maryann loved reading, cooking, and animals, but her greatest joy was her family. She looked forward to spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Maryann leaves behind her loving and devoted husband Steve Tomko of 63 years, her daughter Lisa Nagel and her husband Tom of Sea Girt, NJ; her son Bruce Tomko and wife Andrea of Middletown, DE. She is also survived by 3 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren: Tyler Nagel, his wife Allie, and their children Annie and Trey; Troy Nagel, his wife Amanda, and their children Caden and Colton; and Mark Slater (son of Andrea).

She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.                                                 

A Celebration of Life Mass will be held at Saint Gregory the Great Catholic Church, Bluffton, SC at 10:30 am, Saturday, October 16, 2021. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Carmelite Monastery, 11 West Back Street, Savannah, GA 31419 or St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 31 St.Gregory Drive, Bluffton, SC 29909 or Knights of Columbus Council #12263 St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church.