Lillian Catherine Newland Tornquist

Lillian (Lil) Catherine Newland Tornquist, born on July 15, 1933, in Finderne, NJ, peacefully departed this life on March 28, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Lil was a life-long resident of New Jersey and lived her life as a testament to her unwavering faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. She cherished her early education at Zarephath Christian School and graduated from Somerset High School. Her professional journey began at Bakelite in Manville, NJ, where she worked as a stenographer and Executive Assistant, sharing precious moments with her beloved father, Donald Newland, who also worked at Bakelite. Lil had a never-ending love for music and dance. Her favorite dance was the jitterbug. She would make dresses for her and her girlfriends to wear out to the dances. That is where she met the love of her life, Eddie Tornquist, as he sang onstage and on one wonderful night spotted her in the crowd. They had a mutual love of “big band” music. They married six months after they met and began their life together in Griggstown, NJ, where Ed had a deep family history. They began a family of their own there having four of their six children. Then they moved to North Crosswicks for business and restored a historical house together and had baby number five. Desiring more rural living, they moved to Chesterfield where they had their sixth baby. Ever busy, she contributed her talents part-time at the township and the Christian School which was affiliated with Shady Rest Bible Conference in Chesterfield and the family attended with such fond memories. Then later as a member of the Lighthouse Tabernacle Church in Lumberton, she took part in their jail ministry and helped in the nursery, but most of all she enjoyed worshipping our Lord with the fellowship of other believers. Upon retirement they built a home on a lake in Country Lakes Estates and began attending the Whiting Assembly of God. In Pemberton Twp., she and Ed volunteered at the Christian Caring Center, dedicating six days a week to helping those in need. She received several awards from the Salvation Army. Lil loved to watch baseball and golf. In baseball, her favorite team was the Yankees. She also played softball as a kid, and she was a great batter and first baseman! Her loves included Jesus Christ, family, gardening, flowers, sewing, coffee, and dancing. Lil loved a great game of Scrabble and she was hard to beat! Lil was the daughter of the late Donald and Catherine Newland and the sister of the late Catherine (Joseph) Sobchinsky and Louise (Clarence) McCombie. She is survived by her sister, Barbara Riccadonna (late husband Albert), along with numerous nieces and nephews who held a special place in her heart. Lil was married to the love of her life, Edward E. Tornquist, who preceded her in death. Together, they created a legacy of love and faith, raising six wonderful children who carry forward the values of resilience and compassion instilled in them by their parents. She is survived by her daughter, Bonnie Lynn Schaaf (Benjamin); sons, Mark Edward Tornquist (Debbie), Barry Donald Tornquist (Jennifer); daughters, Sheri Lillian Greene (Billy), Jill Marion Hassel (Tim), and Holly Ann Tornquist. Lil was also a proud grandmother to eight grandchildren: Jeremiah, Eddie, Jessica, Tina, Emily, Alonna, Bria, and Victoria, as well as numerous great-grandchildren who affectionately called her GG, and added so much joy to her later years. Lil has requested that her grandson in-law Pastor Jesse McKenna speak in her honor at Perinchief Chapels, 438 High St, Mt. Holly, NJ 08060. Visitation of family and friends are welcome on April 6th at 11:00 AM, followed by a service at noon. Family interment will follow at Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Cemetery, 350 Province Line Rd, Wrightstown, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Lil’s honor to one of the following charities; Messianic Jewish Alliance of America, Christian Broadcasting Network or Trinity Broadcasting Network

Lillian Catherine Newland Tornquist

July 15, 1933 - March 28, 2026