DECEMBER 30, 1970 - APRIL 17, 2024
Trina of North Arlington and most recently, Kearny, New Jersey will be remembered for her beautiful heart and her loving and exuberant personality. A private memorial service in celebration of her life will be held by her family and friends. Arrangements are by the Armitage Wiggins Funeral Home in Kearny, New Jersey.
In the Scottish Gaelic language, Trina means “pure” of heart and intention which truly reflected Trina’s kindness to all. Not surprisingly, the name Trina also means “triple” and describes the size of her personality and heart. When Trina loved you, she loved you triple! Trina’s recent friends in recovery would recall that Trina would figuratively throw her arms around a room. She reached out to everyone, listening and caring about their stories and had the courage to share her own journey. Trina was a good and loyal friend who was always there to help and listen.
Trina also was a fierce advocate for animals. Fighting to help stray dogs in the 80s which led to her meeting her beloved dog “Russell” (“the perfect dog.”). In December, Trina adopted an orphaned kitten named “Jezebel” from the streets of Newark. Trina named her Jezebel because of the kitten’s strong independent spirit. Trina delighted in “Jeze’s” nature (feisty, independent and loving) perhaps identifying it with her own spirit.
Trina loved her family dearly and spoke about the various settings of her childhood. Trina obtained a GED and worked as a bartender. One can only imagine what an amazing bartender Trina was.
She recalled the peace of living on Cottage Place with her dad, horseback riding in Colorado with her mom and sisters and having a multitude of farm animals. Trina, always “triple”, shares an unbreakable bond as the middle sister of three. Wherever Trina was, her sisters Alicia and Danielle were not far behind.
Trina was a spiritual person who reflected on her mom’s love of St. Joseph. She felt the ever presence of God whether it be in a church, in nature or spending time with family and friends.
Many a wise person has said that in the end the only true measure of success is to love and to be loved. Trina knew that success and she has helped us to know that success. She enters her next journey knowing that she was dearly loved in this life, and we know that we were dearly loved by her. We who mourn Trina’s passing wish that we had more time to spend in her glowing presence but we must find solace and courage in the memories of the sheer joy of knowing her.
Trina is predeceased by her loving parents. Her father, Edward Chmielewski and her mother, Mary (”Robin”) Chmielewski (nee, Housenick). Trina is survived by her adoring sisters, Alicia Chmielewski (Paul); Danielle Valeri (Joe) and half-sister, Mandee Chmielewski. Trina was the loving aunt of Shawn, Shane, Jake, Joey, Brianna, Kayla, Cole, Aidan, Gage and great aunt of Leo.
In lieu of flowers or donations, we ask that in Trina’s name and memory that you share kindnesses with one another and to the animals that she loved so dearly.
