Highland Lakes; Carolyn J. Chew, born August 21, 1929 in Brooklyn, NY to Theodore and Loretta (nee Myles) Fritz, passed away on June 29, 2018 after a long illness. She was 88 years old.

Mrs. Chew was a permanent resident of Highland Lakes, Vernon Township, NJ for over 40 years. She was predeceased by her husband Daniel G. Chew and was married for almost 50 years before his death in 2002. Winning numerous art competition awards during the 70’s and 80’s, the couple were well-known local artists in Sussex & Orange Counties and ran Chew Studios out of their home in Highland Lakes, NJ.

Mrs. Chew was a gifted portrait artist and was regularly commissioned (earned her living as a portrait artist) in the 70’s through the late 90’s. In younger years she worked for St. Francis College and AMF Pin Spotters in New York City, NY. She graduated from Pratt Institute in 1953 with a concentration in Illustration.

Immensely talented, she was also a sculptor, gardener, quilter, crocheter and needle pointer. But, her most important passion of all was as an animal rights activist. She had anywhere from 3-10 animal rescue dogs and cats in her home at one time. She was most proud of helping to establish the Vernon Township Animal Shelter in the early 70’s.

She is survived by her adopted daughter, Amy Chew-Hairston, son-in-law, Thomas Hairston, grandson, Daniel Hairston, granddaughter, Angelina Hairston and niece, Alesandra Haddad.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass of Christian Burial service on Friday July 20th at 11AM at St. Francis de Sales RC Church 614 Rt. 517, Vernon, NJ. In lieu of flowers donations to Alzheimer’s Association, 400 Morris Ave., Denville, NJ 07834. For directions and condolences see www.fergusonfuneralhomesnj.com.