Chestra "Tess" (Czaplicki) Menkowski, 93, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 31, 2012 at her home with her family by her side. Daughter of the late Bronislaw and Antonina Czaplicki, Tess was born in Manville where she lived her entire life.



Tess was a life-long parishioner of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Manville, and was extremely proud of the fact that her father was instrumental in organizing the parish, as well as serving as one of the first Councilmen of Manville. Tess was an avid and knowledgeable sports fan, always rooting for the Giants and Yankees. She also provided loving support to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in their athletic pursuits. Beginning in her early years, Tess worked in her parent's grocery store. She and her husband, whom she married in 1947, purchased the store in 1962 and operated Manville Meat Market for thirty-four years.

Besides her parents, Tess was predeceased by her husband Joseph P. Menkowski in 1998; and by four brothers and three sisters.

Tess is survived by her family, Ted Menkowski and Theresa of Readington Township, Barbara Ahouse of Boiceville, NY, Joe Menkowski of Manville, Kathy Poch and Bill of Millstone, and Mitch Menkowski and Joni Ur of Bridgewater; seven grandchildren, Dan Ahouse, David Ahouse, Rebecca Patterson, Melissa Jones, Mark Menkowski, Jessica Foley, and Tracy Menkowski; nine great-grandchildren, and twenty nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind her sister, Bea Wyszkowski, brother, Joseph Czaplicki and his wife Joyce, brother-in-law Thomas Collins, and sister-in-law, Dorothy Kraycirik.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation at Fucillo & Warren Funeral Home, 205 South Main Street, Manville, NJ 08835 on Thursday, February 2 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. and on Friday, February 3 from 8-8:30 a.m.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 3 beginning 8:30 a.m. from the funeral home followed by a 9:00 a.m. funeral liturgy at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Manville. Tess will be laid beside her husband at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Hanover. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tess' memory to Community Care Hospice, 111 West End Avenue, Somerville, NJ 08876.