Obituary

Gwenn Smith was born in the Bronx on April 22 1956, the second of four children. She lived there until moving to Elizabeth, NJ with her family at about age 13. Despite being somewhat shy and introverted she made many friends. She worked various jobs throughout her life, mostly in customer service which suited her natural inclination to help people. She was predeceased by her parents, William J. Rosenberger and Katherine T. Mulligan and her youngest brother, Kurt W. Rosenberger. She is survived by her loving children: George A. Balboa III and Tara E. Balboa & her spouse John H. Heilman Jr; her beloved grandchildren, Hunter W. Heilman and Molly M. Heilman; and her loving siblings, Karl W. Rosenberger and Laura K. Bottorff and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was a funny and generous person with a quick wit and a love of cooking. She also had a great fondness for music and reading, and shared those passions with her children. The last 18 years of her life were marked by the great joy of watching her grandchildren grow. She was always up for a sleepover or to attend their events. Her pride in them knew no bounds.In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, The Trevor Project or Unicef.

Please join us in celebrating the life of Gwenn on May, 3rd 2026 at Dowlings 117 Chestnut St Roselle Park Nj 07204 from 1pm-4pm