In Memory of

Gertrude

M.

Kleissler

Obituary for Gertrude M. Kleissler

Gertrude (“Gert”) Marie Kleissler, daughter of the late Robert Fagan and May Henderson Fagan, was born on May 4, 1933. She passed away peacefully in her home in Avon-by-the-Sea, surrounded by family, on July 10, 2018. Gert was predeceased by her brother, John, cherished daughter, Theresa (“Tracy”) Lynn, and her beloved husband of 62 years, Edwin.

Gert is survived by daughter Mary Elizabeth Anderson (Tom), daughter Jeanne Marie McKeown (James), son Edwin Albert Kleissler III (Patricia), daughter Catherine Ann Hennessey (Michael), son Thomas Francis Kleissler (Amy), daughter Diane Elise Prentice (William), and daughter Joanne Smith (Brian). Gert was the proud grandmother to twenty-three grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren. She was also a devoted sister to her two brothers, Bob Fagan and Jim Fagan, and five sisters, Mary Catherine Rogers, Patsy Williams, Madeline Magnier, Mary Fran Johnson, and Mary Jo Leddy.

Gert maintained lifelong friendships from her schooldays at Marylawn School in South Orange and the College of St. Elizabeth in Convent Station, Morristown, NJ. Gert loved playing basketball, tennis and swimming, enjoyed travel with her husband, and was an avid sports fan. She readily opened her home to extended family and friends, and worked tirelessly on endless volunteer activities. Gert was passionate about education and loved her years teaching at St. James Grammar School in Red Bank. In Avon, Gert enjoyed working on Election Day every year and was a faithful congregant at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church.

Visitation will take place at O’Brien Funeral Home, 2028 Hwy. 35, Wall, on Sunday, July 15, 2018, from 3-7 P.M. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church, Avon-by-the-Sea, on Monday, July 16, 2018, at 10:00 A.M., followed by interment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Middletown. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gert’s memory may be made to Masinyusane, an organization founded by her grandson, James McKeown — donations may be made via www.masinyusane.org. Condolences may be sent via www.obrienfuneralhome.com.