Theresa Clayton, 55, of Toms River, NJ, passed away on Saturday, January 15, 2022. Born in Islingon, London, England, she lived in Lakewood, NJ, before moving to Toms River 22 years ago. She was a Retail Merchandiser for Foster Grant, working for various retailers around the Ocean County area. Theresa was an active parishioner of St Mary of the Lake Church, Lakewood NJ and Guardian Angel Cathedral, Las Vegas Nevada. Theresa began Catechist training in 2002, becoming certified in 2005, and went on to teach CCD at Holy Family School for over 15 years. She joined the St. Vincent de Paul Society a few years ago, where in addition to secretarial functions; she actively participated in the distribution of food and other assistance to the underprivileged and homeless. Theresa was always looking for ways to reach out and make a positive impact on others. She truly displayed such a kindness to those who she came in contact with. She often had care items with her to hand out whenever she came across someone in need and would even buy specific items according to the person’s needs. Theresa enjoyed her time working at Jon Bon Jovi‘s Soul Kitchen. 

Theresa is reunited in Heaven with her beloved son Christopher Clayton, as well as her parents Edward and Mary Louise (Lewis) Janocha.

She will be forever missed by her loving husband of 38 years Glenn Clayton, daughter Heather and her husband Larry Lotto of Toms River, NJ, son Joseph and his wife Kristen Clayton of Bayville, NJ, daughter Maria Clayton of Toms River, NJ, her siblings; Ed, Adam, Kim, and Mary, and three beautiful grandchildren; Sophia Lotto, Christopher “CC” Lotto, and Harper Clayton. Theresa loved spending time with family and friends, often hosting the get together at her house. In addition to her children being the focal point of her life, she was thrilled to spend time with her grandchildren, who brought so much joy to her life. She lived her life to the fullest and enjoyed many vacations with her family, splitting her time between New Jersey and Las Vegas with her husband. 

The family will receive relatives and friends for a Memorial Gathering on Friday, January 28, 2022 from 3 to 6pm at the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, 145 St. Catherine Blvd, Toms River, NJ. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at 10:30 am at St. Mary of the Lake RC Church, 43 Madison Ave., Lakewood, NJ. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to Ocean’s Harbor House or the Saint Vincent de Paul society, two organizations close to Theresa’s heart. Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.ryanfuneralhome.com.