Myrtle Gapinski
Monday
3
February

Visitation

2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Monday, February 3, 2025
Bailey Funeral Home - Peapack
176 Main St.
Peapack, New Jersey, United States
Tuesday
4
February

Funeral Service

11:00 am - 11:45 pm
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
First Congregational Church Of Chester
PO Box 125, Hillside Ave
Chester, New Jersey, United States

Interment

Fairmount Cemetery
Old Turnpike Road
Califon, New Jersey, United States
(908) 894-3176

Obituary of Myrtle E Gapinski

The family of Myrtle Elizabeth (Sutphen) Gapinski announce the passing of their matriarch at the grand age of 89 years. Myrtle was the second of four children born to John and Mae (McConnell) Sutphen. Born in Somerville, New Jersey, (on her father’s birthday) Myrtle grew up in Fairmount, a rural town known for farming, dairy farms, raising livestock and managing various fruit orchards. Myrtle’s Mother Mae migrated to the area from Kilkeel, Northern Ireland; making Myrtle the first US born Grandchild to Mae’s family. Myrtle knew hard times but always told of how farming always allowed them to have enough and shared with less fortunate families. As a member of the Fairmount Presbyterian Church; Myrtle was deeply devoted to her faith.

Myrtle had a great love of horses; and owned her first horse as a teenager, always riding Western. She joined numerous Horse-Riding Clubs in the Chester, Mendham area and often competed in various shows throughout New Jersey. Myrtle was extremely skilled at all the Western Horse Competitions. Events included barrel racing, reining (showcasing the horses maneuvers), show jumping, sliding stop, spins, rollbacks, circles and lead changes. Myrtle also
excelled at performing/competing with the mounted drill teams; choreographed to music. All of these skills required a high level of accuracy in timing, horsemanship and coordination. Myrtle won several first place competitions. Her high school yearbook stated that her dream was to move to Arizona and run a horse ranch; which never materialized.

Myrtle graduated from Roxbury High School in 1954; with a focus in Secretarial studies. Myrtle then began a career that spanned 48 years; working as an Executive Secretary to many Senior Level CEO and CFO’s at Research-Cottrell, Merrill Lynch and ExxonMobil. She was very proud to hold such important positions during a time when many women didn’t work full time in Corporate America.

Myrtle married Raymond Gapinski on June 6, 1959, at the First Congregational Church in Chester, NJ. Myrtle and Raymond grew up together, often riding the school bus together. Raymond was the love of her life; soul mates to the end. They began their life together on the Gapinski dairy farm in Pottersville, NJ and later lived in Long Valley, NJ. Myrtle would start her day very early in the morning; helping to milk the cows, then go to her corporate job and return to help with the evening milking. Her work ethic and overall support to her aging in-laws was incredible. Myrtle also supported Raymond’s three children from his first marriage, before having two of her own children. She loved and adored all five of her children. Although immersed in motherhood, Myrtle continued to work full time. Myrtle took great pride in her family and home. Myrtle always maintained an optimistic outlook, believing things would always turn out fine in the end even when going through challenges she faced in her life. She often talked about writing her autobiography, titled, “There’s Always Tomorrow”. Myrtle seemed to have invented the term “helicopter parent”; as she was insistent on always knowing where her kids were, who they were with, contact information, etc.

Myrtle moved to Barnegat, NJ in 2002 to begin her retirement and stayed in her home until her passing, which was one of her wishes. She attended Wright Memorial Presbyterian Church and Forked River Presbyterian Church in Barnegat, often helping with numerous luncheons and events.

Myrtle was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mae Sutphen; brothers David and Les, and a sister, Elwin. Also preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Gapinski, Granddaughter Rebecca A. Caruso, stepson’s Raymond and Douglas.

Myrtle is survived by her daughter, Myrtle Rae Balcerski, son-in-law Robert Balcerski, daughter Anne Rae Caruso and stepdaughter Dorothy (Gapinski) Butler, her husband Thomas and Grandson Raymond C. Gapinski. Myrtle is also survived by MANY nieces and nephews, neighbors, former co-workers and numerous friends.

Visitation will be held at Bailey Funeral Home, 176 Main Street, Peapack-Gladstone, NJ on Monday, February 3, 2025 from 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM. A church service will be held at The First Congregational Church of Chester, 30 Hillside Road, Chester, NJ on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Fairmount Cemetery, 102 Fairmount Road, Califon, NJ 07830. The repast will be held immediately following at the Fairmount Fire House, 12 Parker Road, Long Valley, NJ 07853.

Due to Myrtle’s frugality and selflessness, in lieu of flowers, Myrtle would much prefer that your money be invested. As you receive updates on its growth, you’ll remember Myrtle. She will be happy to know that your money was well spent.

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