Grace M. Kennelly, 92, of Wall, passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2018.
Grace was born and raised in Kearny. She lived in Ridgewood and Glen Rock for many years, where she raised her family, before coming to Wall in 1983. After graduating from Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School, she worked in New York City with a career in banking for many years, before embarking on her true calling as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Grace’s Irish eyes were always sparkling. She was an avid reader with an interest in history and politics. Grace was a sharp bridge player and golf fanatic. She was an undefeated opponent at Jeopardy. She took pleasure in volunteering in her community and never missed an event in all her children’s lives. Grace enjoyed the company of others, loved a good laugh and a walk on the boardwalk. Her sweet smile will be remembered by all.
Mrs. Kennelly was predeceased by her beloved husband John J. Kennelly, in 2012, and by her son Stephen J. Kennelly, in 2015. She was also predeceased by her son-in-law, Norman Ward, her mother, Kathryn Ford, her siblings, Gerald Ford and Virginia Gallagher, and by her aunt and uncle, Dora and Dr. Stephen Tierney, who were instrumental in raising her. She is survived by her children, John F. Kennelly, of Wall, Grace K. Ward, of North Carolina, Christopher G. Kennelly, of Georgia, and Virginia Klodowski and her husband Wayne, of Manasquan. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Brendan Ward and his wife Ellie Snow, Lauren Ward, and Taylor, Christopher, Kevin, and Kathryn Klodowski, as well as her great-grandchildren, Juna and Oliver Snow Ward.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Catharine’s Church, Spring Lake, on Monday, February 5, 2017, at 10:30 AM, followed by interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mrs. Kennelly’s memory may be made to BradleyFoodPantry.org.