Kathleen Burns Torell

The passing of Kathleen (Kathy) Burns Torell 81, of Wyckoff, NJ occurred on March 31, 2024. Wife of Arthur Robert Torell, Jr. Loving mother of her three daughters Kristin Torell Newkirk and husband Colonel (Retired) Scott Newkirk, Elizabeth Burns Torell, and Janine Torell Galvin and her husband Michael. Cherished Nana of Isabelle, Rhodes, and Eden. Sadly missed by her sisters Teda Carbone and husband Jack, Meg Atkinson and husband Alex, and her brothers Michael Burns (predeceased) and wife Maureen, and Edward Burns and wife Michele, along with numerous nieces, nephews, numerous godchildren, and friends. She will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved her. Kathy was born May 18, 1942 and spent her early years in the Boston area, school years in East Norwich, NY, and attended Trinity College in VT. She lived and worked in Manhattan before moving to Wyckoff where she lived for 53 years. She raised her family and held various jobs including working as a realtor, receptionist, executive assistant, and office support in a medical practice. Through the years she enjoyed the company of her Junior Women's Club, Girl Scout leaders, bridge and bowling league friends, and taught sacramental preparation classes at St. Elizabeth’s Parrish. She was considerate to all her family, always calling and sending well wishes on birthdays, holidays, and special occasions. She took pleasure in writing cards, letters, poetry and doing crosswords. She celebrated her Irish heritage and her visits to Ireland brought her much happiness. She also had a love of cats, having had many as pets through the years, and ‘grand-kitties’ more recently that she fondly enjoyed hearing updates on. Kathy was a true patriot, loved her country and flag, and wore it proudly whenever she could. She was especially fond of US Veterans and supported them to honor her father, brothers, and brother- and son-in-law who were all in the military. Lovingly remembered. Forever in our hearts, may she rest in peace.

A memorial service for family and friends will be held on Thursday, April 11th 2024 from 5 - 7 PM at Van Emburgh-Sneider-Pernice Funeral Home,109 Darlington Avenue, Ramsey, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations in Kathy’s memory may be made to support our veterans to Freedom Alliance or to P.A.T.C.H. (Pet Adoption Through Caring Hands) of Northern Jersey for her love of cats.

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