Meulener, Ernestina Alicia, Red Bank

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A longtime resident of Red Bank, Ernestina (Wawi) died in her sleep on Thursday, Feb. 25. She was born in Santa Clara, Cuba, in 1919, the youngest child of Armando and Alicia Radelat. She was loved and protected by her three older brothers Armando, Adolfo, and Felipe.

Ernestina came to the United States in 1961 with her two boys to find freedom and liberty and to give them a chance to reach their full potential. She was a kindergarten teacher, an artist and a dietitian, but most of all, a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She enjoyed organizing her monthly luncheons with her close group of ladies and helping anyone who needed advice or someone to listen. It was important to her to keep her culture alive by serving her wonderful Cuban cuisine during her favorite holiday Christmas Eve (Nochebuena).

Her legacy will be that of someone who was willing to give up everything she knew and possessed for the good of her children. She went far beyond what was expected of her. She was a loving and giving person who always saw the best in others. That was her example.

She was preceded by her husband, Dr. Jesus Gonzalez Meulener.

She will be missed by her children, Rafael and Carol Meulener of Florida, Carlos and Patricia Meulener of Rumson; a nephew, Jorge Radelat of Florida; her grandchildren, Brian, Sarah, Neil, Marc and Elena; and her 11 great-grandchildren.

Memorial donations may be made to her favorite charity, St Jude Children’s Hospital. Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank, was in charge of arrangements.