Kathleen Mary Ridings (Sweeney) 60, of Toms River left for Heaven on August 8th at home, surrounded by her loving family. Proudly born in the Bronx, NY, lucky to grow up in Highland Lakes, NJ. Settling in Nutley, NJ for 30 years with her beloved husband, Richard T. “Rick” Ridings who was waiting for her at Heaven’s Gate with a glass of Pinot Grigio. Daughter of the late Joseph A. and Mary A. Sweeney (Engel). She is also predeceased by her sister Patricia M. “Tricia” Sweeney.
Graduating from Glassboro State College, Kathleen began her teaching career in Vernon, NJ. After, she was a gifted teacher in the Paterson school district for 35 years. Kathleen’s superpower was nurturing and educating children up until her retirement in 2016.
Kathleen loved life, rarely missing an occasion to celebrate. A champion gift giver and the family’s birthday, anniversary, and special date authority. She was an avid gardener. You could find Kathleen in any number of her favorite places, at “The Lake”, Rick’s café, the beach, the ski mountain, the concert, the parade, the game, “go pats!” walking with Sully, and with Rick at the pub.
An active member of the Nutley Irish American Association, they will now depend on Alyson for Ridings Irish Cream, Soda Bread and Shepard’s pie. Kathleen was delighted to move to the Jersey Shore and show her friends her favorite beach, Island Beach State Park. Kathleen was encouraged and empowered by her faith and the constant show of support and thoughtfulness of her friends, new and old.
Kathleen is survived by her treasured, most loving daughter, Alyson Rose Ridings and partner Michael Cappello of Clifton. She was a dedicated sister to Maryanne Sweeney of Toms River, Rose Sweeney and brother in law Don Gant of Bass River. Brother Joseph and sister in law Maureen Sweeney, Michael and sister in law Annmarie Sweeney all of Highland Lakes, NJ. Brother John and sister in law Karen Sweeney of Chelmsford, England. Kathleen loved so devotedly all her wonderful nieces, grand-nieces, nephews and grand-nephews.
In lieu of flowers, Kathleen’s fight is not lost with donations to the Pancreatic Cancer Network, www.pancan.org. Kathleen will see us all on the other side.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 12, 2020 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main St., Toms River. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. at St. Justin the Martyr R.C. Church, 975 Fischer Blvd., Toms River. Cremation will be private.
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