Obituary of Erna Huffsmith
Erna Matilda Huffsmith (Macco), 96, of Upper Freehold, formerly of the Colonia section of Woodbridge Township, passed away peacefully while surrounded by the love and support of her devoted family on March 22nd, 2025.
Erna was born on April 11, 1928 to William and Marie Macco (Schmidt) in Newark, NJ. She was raised in the Iron Bound section of Newark, where she and her family were dedicated parishioners of St Stephan’s United Church of Christ. Erna would come to make her confirmation and be married at St. Stephan’s. Her daughter and grandchildren would go on to be baptized there. This church and congregation remained a constant for Erna for many years. The family would commonly return for weekly services in Newark from their home in Colonia.
Erna met her husband, Franklin Huffsmith, and were married on June 20th, 1954 . She and Frank relocated to the Colonia section of Woodbridge Township where they forged lifelong friendships on Patricia Avenue. Their devotion to one another endured for decades and their vivacious spirit to get up and go was never extinguished. Together, Erna and Frank, were extended family to everyone on Patricia Avenue in Colonia. They held especially dear their neighbors, Doris and Stan “Nertz” Stellmach, and their eight children and Jenny and Scribner “SJ” Brown, and their boys as extended family of their own. Erna and Frank were affectionately known simply as Missus and Mister.
Erna was married for 52 years before losing her beloved husband in 2006. Erna and Frank were both dedicated to their gardening year after year. Erna would continue this tradition all the years she remained on Patricia Avenue as a means of honoring her husband.
Erna worked as an in-home caregiver to two special families with the Visiting Nurse Service of Middlesex County before embracing grand parenthood alongside Frank. Erna went above and beyond her caregiver duties for these families until her retirement.
Erna and Frank were parents to their only daughter, Lisa Tracy. Their generous hearts included Lisa’s childhood friends as part of the Huffsmith family. Erna possessed unwavering dedication to her family and was a protective and guiding force for their wellbeing her entire life. Her indelible memory will be cherished by her surviving family.
Erna is survived by her only daughter, Lisa Tracy Gomez, and her husband Ray of Cream Ridge, NJ; beloved granddaughter, Olivia Gomez-Cabezas, and her husband, Andrew, of Pennsauken, NJ and her cherished grandson, Ray Jr, also of Cream Ridge, NJ.
Erna will forever be remembered as “Aunt Erna” to Heather Brown Tadej, and her husband, Scott, and their children, SJ and Sienna.
All arrangements were private by Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, Freehold Township. Erna will be laid to eternal rest with her husband at Hazelwood Cemetery in Colonia. The family asks you to consider supporting your local Hospice support caregiver network or Fullfill Food Bank (The former Monmouth and Ocean County Food Bank), 3300 Route 66, Neptune Township, NJ 07753 or HERE, in honoring Erna.