Kathleen A. Placek

Kathleen Placek, age 78, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, September 8, 2025. Kathleen was born in Manayunk, PA, and lived there for several years before moving to Cranford, NJ and then ultimately settling in South Toms River. She graduated from Toms River High School and began working as a candy striper for Community Memorial Hospital while earning her LPN from Ocean County Vocational School. She spent over 30 years working as an operating room nurse for Community Medical Center. After retiring from the hospital, Kathleen worked for the Lakehurst Board of Education as an Assistant Board secretary, for family businesses in various capacities, and for an eye doctor in Lakewood. She ultimately returned to her surgical roots and finished her career at Shore Outpatient Surgery Center in Lakewood. She retired for the last time in 2012 to become a full time Grammy. During her life, Kathleen was involved in Saint John's Church of Lakehurst and was a member of the Auxiliary of both Lakehurst Fire Department and Lakehurst First Aid. She also served on the Lakehurst Board of Education. Later in life, Kathleen traveled the world extensively and visited many lifelong friends. She enjoyed quilting, but what she enjoyed most was spending time with her family.

Kathleen was predeceased by her husband Charles, who passed in 2005. She is survived by her devoted son, Charles J. Placek and his ex-husband William Placek, her two cherished grandsons, Jaxon and Grayson, her son Joseph Placek and his wife Monique, their children, McKenzie and Spencer, her dear sisters and brother, Joan Schultz, Jeanne Weiss and Jim Parkinson, and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation for family and friends of Kathleen will be held Thursday, September 11, 2025 from 2-4 & 7-9 pm at the Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home, 3010 Ridgeway Road, Manchester, NJ 08759. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, September 12, 2025 from 10-10:45 AM, 619 Chestnut Street, Lakehurst, NJ 08733.

Kind memory and condolences can be left at www.andersoncampbellmanchester.com