Kathleen M. Kearns

Kathleen “Kath” Kearns, age 62 of Toms River, NJ passed away peacefully in her sleep on Sunday, October 6, 2024 at Complete Care at Holiday City in Toms River.

Kath was born at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, NJ on September 24, 1962, daughter of Eunice “Pinky” (Jones) Kearns of Effort, PA and the late Leonard “Lenny” Kearns.

Kathleen was a long time dedicated employee of National Electronic Transit of Lyndhurst, NJ.

Anyone close to Kath surely had their fair share of her infamous Mac & Cheese and Potato Salad, which we all know we will never be able to recreate perfectly. We will miss her fabulous parties; Memorial Day get togethers complete with an entire petting zoo, and Christmas parties with appearances from Santa himself. Kath was always able to offer a great book suggestion to anyone asking, but The Wizard of Oz forever held her heart. Her eclectic love of music was one for the ages, but she’d always come back to her favorites: Bob Seger, The Rolling Stones, The Staple Singers and James Taylor.

Lovingly referred to as “Loon” by her children, she was the World’s Best bonus mom to Molly Bodrato Gentile, her “Sweet,” of San Francisco, CA and the late Paul Bodrato, who preceded her in death on April 1, 2020. We are certain that Paul, her “Bubba,” was waiting for her with his arms wide open (and a smart remark ready) for her arrival at Heaven’s gates.

Her greatest joy was being Nana to her granddaughter, Jasmin Fontanez of San Francisco, CA. Kath sprinkled her deep Irish roots onto Jasmin from a young age, crowning her with the nickname “Macushla,” which is an Irish term of endearment meaning “darling” or “sweetheart”. Their unbreakable bond saw them through many ups and downs through the years. Kathleen left this world at peace knowing that Jasmin, her “Mac,” is exactly where she should be and will continue to make her Nana proud.

God has blessed each of us with the love and presence of Kathleen in our lives. In addition to her mother Pinky, daughter Molly and granddaughter Jasmin, she will be deeply missed by her siblings: Michael Kearns and wife Pat of Toms River, NJ; Janet Kearns of Toms River, NJ; Timothy Kearns and wife Karen of Montville, NJ; James Kearns of Stroudsburg, PA; Patricia Urban and husband Steven of Brick, NJ; Jennifer Gallagher and husband Gerald of Effort, PA; and Laurette Kearns of East Stroudsburg, PA.

Kath was also a world class Aunt to many neices and nephews who will forever miss her quick wit, good company and listening ear: Jason Kearns of Hackensack, NJ; Patrick Kearns of Duluth, GA; Meagan Kearns of Toms River, NJ; Sarah Hurley and husband Ian of Kinnelon, NJ; Julie Grayuski and husband Nate of Severn, MD; Alison Kearns of New York, NY; Rebecca Meskill and husband Joey of Philadelphia, PA; Rachel Urban of Brick, NJ; Amanda Gallagher of Effort, PA; and Zabrina Kearns of River Vale, NJ.

Her childlike humor and contagious laughter will live on forever through her great nieces and nephews: Gavin and Mason Kearns; Liam, Calvin and Olivia Hurley; Amelia and Margaux Grayuski; and Miles Meskill.

She will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Until we meet again, we find comfort knowing she has now been reunited with her two favorite men, her Dad and her Son.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 AM , Thursday, October 10, 2024 at St Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Bogota, NJ.

Following Mass, Kathleen will be laid to rest at Rockland Cemetery in Sparkill, NY.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to support breast cancer research.