Emily E. Dobrowansky

Emily E. Dobrowansky (née Force), 79, of Barnegat, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of family and the memories of a life devoted to caring for others.

Born on October 1, 1946, in Huguenot, New York, Emily was raised in Goshen and Middletown, N.Y., where she began a life centered on compassion, hard work, and family. A proud graduate of Goshen High School’s Class of 1964, she followed her calling to care for others by earning her nursing degree from the former Horton Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Middletown, becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse.

Emily began her nursing career at Overlook Hospital in Summit, New Jersey. After marrying the love of her life, Ferdinand “Robert” Dobrowansky, they built a home together in Garwood and later Cranford, where they lovingly raised their sons, Eric and Mark.

Over the years, Emily resided in Forked River, Little Egg Harbor, and, most recently, Barnegat, NJ.

For 25 years, Emily cared for residents at Seacrest Village Nursing & Rehabilitation in Little Egg Harbor as a Licensed Practical Nurse, retiring in 2021. Nursing was more than a career to Emily – for over 55 years it was an expression of her compassion and service to others. She was deeply admired for the kindness, patience, and dignity she showed every patient. Her generosity extended beyond her work, as colleagues fondly remember her annual holiday gatherings and the beautiful Christmas trees and homes she decorated.

Emily found joy in arts and crafts and in opportunities to travel, and found purpose in serving others through her church community. As a devoted member of Pinelands Community Church in Little Egg Harbor, she generously volunteered her time and touched many lives through her faith and kindness.

Emily was predeceased by her beloved husband, Ferdinand “Robert” Dobrowansky; her cherished son, Mark Dobrowansky; and her sister, Darena Hadden.

She leaves behind a family who loved her deeply: her son, Eric Dobrowansky, and his wife, Jill; her grandson, Stephen Dobrowansky, and his wife, Amy; her cherished great-granddaughter, Lily Dobrowansky; her sisters, Martha Kennedy, Eunice Bookstaver, and Lois Lehtimaki; her brothers, Paul, Leonard, and Wesley Force; along with many loving nieces, nephews, dear friends, and colleagues whose lives were brighter because of her presence.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Emily’s life during visitation on Monday, June 15, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until the memorial service at 5:30 p.m. at Maxwell-Tobie Funeral Home, 573 Mill Creek Road, Manahawkin, New Jersey.

Emily will be remembered for her gentle heart, unwavering generosity, and the love and care she gave so freely to others throughout her life.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Emily’s memory may be made to the Pinelands Community Church at www.pinelandschurch.org or the Hackensack Meridian Health Nursing Clinical Advancement & Education Scholarship at www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/about-us/nursing/nursing-scholarships