Jill Smith Tornabene

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Jill Smith Tornabene of Matawan entered eternal rest Feb. 18, 2021, at the age of 80. She passed away peacefully at Riverview Medical Center. Just before her passing, Jill was visited by close family both in person and via FaceTime.  

Jill was born Feb. 12, 1941, in Long Branch, along with her twin brother, Jack Smith. She attended grammar school in Keansburg and high school in Middletown.  

Jill worked at the Lily Tulip Cup Company in Holmdel. She also worked as a typesetter and editor at both The Advisor Newspaper in Middletown and at Matawan Printing. Jill was an active member of the VFW post Middletown Ladies Auxiliary.    

She was predeceased by her mother, Jennie Smith; her siblings, Emmett Rosebury, William Smith, Loretta Rieger and Carolynn Bishop; her husband James R. “Mac” Tornabene; and her niece, Thea Starr.

Jill is survived by her loving dog Jenny; brother Jack; sister Patricia Stagich and her husband Joe; son Dannie Schade and his wife Vicky; son Benson Schade; granddaughter Chelsea “Seashell” Hershey and her wife Tina; grandson Kyle Schade; stepsons Dean Tornabene and Dwayne Tornabene; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Due to the pandemic, the family unfortunately cannot gather to mourn in traditional ways at this time. A celebration of Jill’s life will follow at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to your favorite veteran’s support group or animal shelter in Jill’s memory.

The article originally appeared in the March 4 – 10, 2021 print edition of The Two River Times.