Kathleen Travers

Kathleen Travers, 67, of Toms River, New Jersey, passed away surrounded by the love of her family. Born in New York, New York, Kathy lived a life centered around family, kindness, and the simple joys that made life meaningful.

Kathy loved gardening and flowers, doo-wop music, reading, spending time at the library, and relaxing at the pool with her friends. More than anything, she cherished time with her girls. A devoted and loving single mother, she raised her daughter Coleen with unwavering love, strength, and support.

Kathy began her career at Hovnanian Industries as a bookkeeper before moving into Human Resources with TVS, a government contractor at Fort Monmouth. When CTSC later assumed the maintenance contract for the base, Kathy served as Human Resources Manager until her retirement when Fort Monmouth closed.

Retirement marked the beginning of the role she treasured most — Grandma.

Living just across the bridge in Clifton while her family was in Rutherford, Kathy was never more than five minutes away, often arriving quickly thanks to her well-known “lead foot.” She was a constant and loving presence in her granddaughters’ everyday lives — helping with rides, errands, homework, advice, sing-alongs, and endless giggle fests.

Whether she was running Madison out to find the newest fidget toy or squishy, taking Taylor to piano or gymnastics, or working on gardening projects with Emily, she did it all with her whole heart.

Kathy will be forever cherished and deeply missed by her loving daughter Coleen, her son-in-law Matt, and her adored granddaughters Madison, Taylor, and Emily. She is also survived by her brother Brian and sister-in-law Anna.

She was predeceased by her father Thomas Cooley and her mother Jeanne Moran.

Kathy’s love, laughter, and devotion to her family will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her family will cherish every moment they had with her and will miss her more than words can express.

A Celebration of Life will be held 11 am to 1 pm at the Quinn Hopping Funeral Home, 26 Mule Road, Toms River. A service will begin promptly at 12:00 pm.