MaryEllen McCrystal (nee Wormann), 74, of Succasunna, died on January 20, 2021 at Morristown Memorial Hospital.  Born in Newark, N.J., and raised in Belleville, MaryEllen was the oldest of Marie (Peck) and Edwin Wormann’s eight children.  She graduated from Our Lady of Good Counsel High School in Newark and earned a B.A. in History from Georgian Court College.  She helped with and faithfully attended reunions from both schools.

From 1969 – 1986, MaryEllen taught Social Studies at Essex Catholic Boys High School in Newark and East Orange.  She met her future husband Bill at Essex, where both were highly respected faculty members.  She subbed at Wayne Hills High School and at St. Mary’s School in Wharton.  Bill predeceased MaryEllen in 2013.

MaryEllen served as a Eucharistic Minister at Essex Catholic, her home parish of St. Mary’s, Nutley, at St. Mary’s in Dover, and at St. Clare’s Hospital, Dover.  For a dozen years, she was a member of the Board of Directors of St. Peter’s Village, Denville.

A woman of strong faith, prayer, and quick wit, MaryEllen maintained and cherished lifelong friendships.  She remembered everyone’s birthday, anniversary, and special occasions. Her phone calls, notes (with enclosed articles of interest), homemade Christmas cookies, and annual “epistle” will be missed.  An avid reader, daily walker, and Jeopardy fan, she enjoyed traveling in Europe, the U.S. and Canada.  Her favorite times were spent with her grandchildren.

MaryEllen is survived by her “greatest achievement”, son Bill, daughter-in-law Erica (McKeever), grandson Blaise and granddaughter Darby; siblings Kathie (the late Joe) Deak, Jim (Monty) Wormann, Dan (Diane) Wormann, Ed Wormann, Ceil (Joe) Cocco, Janet (Patrick) Rankin, and Beth (Mark) Smith; twelve nieces and five nephews and their families, and Bill’s four nieces and their families.

Friends may pay their respects beginning at 10:30 AM on Monday, January 25 at Resurrection Parish, 651 Millbrook Avenue, Randolph, NJ, with a funeral Mass at 12 noon.  For those who cannot attend the Mass in person, the parish livestream can be found at resurrectionparishnj.org.  Arrangements are by the Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home (davishepplewhitefh.com).

MaryEllen requested you remember her prayerfully when you enjoy the beauty of nature, especially sunsets and butterflies.

There will be a memorial celebration of her life at a later date.