Kathleen Kalafut

Kathleen A. Kalafut, affectionately known as Kathy to her friends and family, passed away on July 3, 2023.

Born in Orange, NJ, on October 6, 1950, she was a lifelong resident of Verona, New Jersey, a community she loved dearly. Kathy was a thoughtful woman, devoted to her family and her garden, a testament to her resilience and love for life. As Albert Einstein said, "In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity." This quote marked Kathy's life, as no matter the challenges she faced, she was always able to find strength and positivity.

Kathy was a smart and dedicated woman, spending her professional life in the banking and finance sector. She retired from her position as Vice President at Chase Bank in 2003, after a distinguished career that demonstrated her commitment to her community and her profession.

Post-retirement, Kathy found joy in gardening, her hands nurturing life in the same way she nurtured those around her. She was a proud alumna of Verona High School, Class of 1968, and her love for her hometown remained constant throughout her life.

Kathy is survived by her devoted husband, Daniel Kalafut, her brother Robert Schultz and his wife Marjorie, sister Barbara Maulfair and her husband Ray, sister-in law Patricia Werstein, brother-in-law, Bill Riley, nephews Carl Maulfair, David Schultz, Richard Schultz, Kevin Riley, Jonathan Werstein, niece Kelli Dent, and great-niece Briella.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert Schultz and Mary (Jeanne) Cortese, her sister Nancy Riley and her brothers Richard Schultz and Richard Werstein.

As we remember Kathy, we are reminded of the words of Helen Keller: "What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us." Kathy's loving spirit and resilient nature live on in the hearts of those she touched. We invite you to share your memories of Kathy and upload photos to her memorial page, so that we may all celebrate her life together.