The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
Naomi “Jockie” Claudia Shimalla, 75, passed away peacefully on Feb. 8 at home with her loving family and dedicated Squad members by her side.
She was born in Somerville of the late Pauline and Walter Herubin USAF WWll. Naomi was a third-generation lifelong East Millstone resident whose grandparents settled here from Italy in the mid-1800s. Her grandfather, who was a stonemason, actually helped build many of the homes in the small town including her predominant East Millstone historical home.
She was married for 34 years to her late husband Fred Shimalla USN CWO4 in East Millstone at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church. As a member she was involved in many church community groups. She was predeceased by her Sister Louise Metz.
She graduated from Highland Park High School and completed her nursing program at Princeton University. Naomi was an LPN who worked in the operating room at Princeton Hospital. She served tirelessly as a 55-year truly dedicated, life member and Ex-Captain of East Millstone First Aid Squad and a 50-year life member Millstone Valley Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.
She was also a Cub Scout den mother of pack 95 for eight years for all the local kids in the area. She was always inventive and always had the most interesting projects or field trips to take the kids on. Everyone was always included and welcomed, she always made sure everyone was taken care of; which was one of the main themes of her life.
Like an unsung hero if somebody was ill or need help she would be the first one there with a pot of soup or food or would be willing to put in the time to nurse anybody back to health.
It was this natural installation of love, caring and dedication to others that made her such a great Mother, Grandmother, Nurse, EMT and friend to all who knew her. Her personality and her love to laugh always stood out in a crowd. You always knew where you stood with her and you always knew that she would be there to support you no matter what. Naomi was also a member of Franklin Township senior citizens and a local business owner in Franklin.
Naomi is survived by her two loving sons and seven grandchildren, East Millstone resident Patrick and wife Vena and children Isabella, Nevin, Tyler, and Payton, and Frederick and wife Jennifer Shimalla of Georgia and children Alexandra, Corinna and Nicholas.
Visitation will be held from 4-8 p.m. Feb. 13 at Gleason Funeral Home, 1360 Hamilton St.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Feb. 14th at St. Joseph Church in Hillsborough. Burial will follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Somerset.
Donations may be made in her memory to the East Millstone First Aid Squad.
