Family Mourns Bernardsville Mom Of 2 Who Died Of Addiction

BERNARDSVILLE, NJ — A tall, beautiful red head, an incredible story teller and goofy Bernardsville mother of two, Elizabeth Joan Meyler, tragically died on Monday following "a long battle with addiction."

"Her family is devastated to see her go so soon. The hole that her loss will leave is immeasurable and she will be deeply missed by her loved ones for a lifetime," her obituary states.

Her family is devastated over her loss and have set up a GoFundMe page for her "two precious children," 11-year-old Manny Santibanez who is in sixth grade at Bernardsville Middle School and nine-year-old Bianca Chapparro who is in third grade at Bedwell Elementary School.

The 40-year-old mother, lovingly called "Liz" was born on April 22, 1978, also leaves behind her parents JoAnn Meyler and Glenn Meyler, two sisters Katie Meyler and Nicole Sisko of Bernardsville and boyfriend John Shwiner of Fairlawn.

Yet she was most defined by her love for her two children.

Her son Manny's father died a few years ago and Liz's mother is Manny's legal guardian. Manny loves skateboarding, skiing, playing Xbox, and gaming. He's an easy-going, introverted kid who has a big heart and loves his mom fiercely, JoAnn Meyler wrote on the GoFundMe page.

Bianca is outgoing, loves dancing, talking, singing, WWE Wrestling, entertaining everyone, and learning about new things. Bianca lives with her father, Tony and Stepmother, Vivian, Meyler wrote.

Leaving behind fond and hysterical memories for all that knew her, Liz took her role as big sister and protector very seriously. She was well-spoken and extremely intelligent, her obituary said.

Liz attended Bernardsville High School and received a degree from Muhlenberg College in Plainfield.

All are welcome to the viewing on Saturday, March 2 at The Church of the Hills in Far Hills from 10 a.m. to noon. A Remembrance and Celebration will follow directly after. There will be no burial.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking for support to Manny and Bianca’s Future and Education Fund by donating to the GoFundMe page here.

GoFundMe is a promotional partner of Patch.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.

Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here.