Roslyn McCrarey

Very few people in this world touch so many lives in special ways that can never be forgotten or replaced. Roslyn was one of those people. At the core of everything she did was the sentiment of love and here is the story of her life. 

She was born and raised in the cosmopolitan city of Newark, New Jersey on August 10, 1947, to her loving mother Mary Johnson and father Dallas Monroe Lee. Among the many qualities they instilled in her, love, generosity, responsibility and hard work were at the forefront. Her siblings meant everything to her and as the eldest of five, she was there for them whenever they needed her. Her brother Jerome Lee and her sisters Martha Lee and Jacqueline Lee are waiting for her in heaven. Her only surviving sister Jeanette “Cookie” Teamor was dearest to Roslyn’s heart. They were so close that they could finish each other’s sentences, share clothes, remodel their kitchens the same and roast each other and laugh until there was no tomorrow. All of their friends were witnesses to the bond and love they shared. Two sisters. Two hearts. As one. 

When Roslyn’s beauty and charm caught the eye of David McCrarey, a dashing US Marine Corps veteran, it was love at first sight. He swept her off her feet and they were married in 1970. For 54 years, they traveled the world together and made a wonderful life and retirement at their home in Old Bridge, New Jersey, where they have lived for over 35 years. From the start, they were perfect together and wanted the same things out of life. They matched each other’s wit and were the life of every family gathering. He cherished and protected his wife above alland she created a beautiful home and doted on her husband, the love of her life. No man has loved a woman more and no woman has loved a man more than they have loved each other.

For over 25 years, Roslyn worked and retired from the Ball mason jar conglomerate (formerly known as Metro) which was located in Carteret, New Jersey. She gained a reputation as one of the most talented and hardest working employees in the company. She relished her work and made friendships there that lasted for a lifetime.

Roslyn’s love extended to her local YMCA family of friends where she was an avid pickleball player, celebrated for her polished game. Everyone wanted to be her partner. 

Roslyn’s infectious spirit, smile, laughter, sense of humor, no-nonsense honesty and generosity automatically drew people to her. When love is given as freely as she gave it to others it is no wonder that it was returned to her tenfold. If you met her once, you couldn’t help but love her. If you met her twice, you wanted her advice. She should have charged for the wisdom she shared with us over the years. When you talked to hershe really listened. She would recall details of conversations she had with you whether it was a week or years ago. Her family and friends meant the world to her and she never forgot names, birthdays, anniversaries, showers, relocations, illnesses, etc. She let you know that she remembered you, you were important to her and she loved you. She was a pillar of strength and that's why we all leaned on her for guidance. Even during the hardest part of her illness, she never complained. She continued to smile through it all just to make our hearts hurt a little less. She was the real deal and will live in our hearts forever. She cannot be replaced and she will not be forgotten. Ever. 

She is survived by her loving husband David McCrarey; devoted sister Jeanette “Cookie” Teamor (Jack Teamor); sister-in-law Marilyn Cosby; sister-in-law Karla Crenshaw-Williams (Mitch Williams); Goddaughter Dee Dee McCoy (daughter of her late best friend Encie McCoy); and a host of beloved nieces, nephews and friends.