Kathleen M Ferrise

Ms. Kathleen “Kathy” M. Ferrise entered the arms of the Lord on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, when she passed away in the Overlook Medical Center, Summit, surrounded by the love and devotion of her family.

We respectfully request that no one arrive at the funeral home prior to the posted visitation times, so as not to intrude on the family’s private time. 

Family and friends are invited to the memorial visitation in the Kowalski Funeral Home, 515 Roselle Street, Linden on Thursday, June 1st. from 1:00-5:00PM.  The cremation in Rosehill Crematory, Linden was private.  Please omit flowers.  Donations in Kathy’s memory can be made to the American Heart Association, PO Box 840692, Dallas, Texas 75284-0692 or online at http://www.heart.org

Kathy, the daughter of the late Marion K. Devers Ferrise (1992) and the late Anthony A. Ferrise (2013) was born in the Rahway Hospital in Rahway, New Jersey.  Her family were long time Linden residents and Kathy continued this heritage, as she grew up, attended school, worked and started her own family while remaining in her hometown of Linden.

She was employed as an accounts payable supervisor for the international accounts of Siemens, a tech company focused on industry infrastructure, transport and health care, working in both the Iselin and Princeton offices from 1984 until 2000.

In her spare time, Kathy had a variety of interests.  She enjoyed crocheting articles and clothing, such as blankets, hats and scarfs for family and friends.  Her appetite for reading was voracious and Kathy’s taste in literature ran the gamut of anything and everything.  The smell of the salty air, the sound of the ocean waves and the sand in her toes drew Kathy to her beloved Jersey shore where she especially enjoyed her visits with Aunt Marie in Wildwood Crest.  Her nighttime ritual included  watching her favorite television show; you know, of course, it’s – Jeopardy!  Kathy was known throughout her family for her delicious apple pies which she lovingly made using her Mom’s recipe.  Over the years, she expanded her repertoire of baked items, to include many other pies, such as blueberry or sweet potato, delicious muffins and at Christmas time, there were cookies in decorative tins given to everyone to enjoy.  Above all, the fun and enjoyment in Kathy’s life came from spending time with her adoring grandson, Charlie, who brought a smile to her face, laughter to her eyes and overwhelming joy to her heart.  It was a special kind of love reserved just for Charlie. 

Predeceased by her parents, Kathy is survived by her two daughter, Chelsea K. Ferrise and Waverly K. Ferrise and her companion Joao Coelho; her sister, Theresa A. Roman; her two brothers, Anthony A. Ferrise III and Christopher J. Ferrise; her grandson, Charles P. Ferrise; her goddaughter, Nicole M. Roman; the father of Kathy’s daughters, Christopher Shenesky and her numerous nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends.

Kathy was an amazing woman who, despite having gone through many medical trials in her short lifetime, taught those around her the meaning of love, family, and perseverance.  We feel her loss down to our core and our spirits are broken, but Kathy will never be forgotten and she will forever remain in our hearts. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.