Kathleen (Kathy) R. Bolger (nee Hyland), 86, of Lavallette, NJ, passed away Saturday, August 17, 2024 at home after a courageous battle with lung cancer.

Kathleen was predeceased by her husband, Francis Bolger in 2005 and her son Francis Bolger, Jr. in 2015.

She is survived by her three children Francine Young of Lavallette, NJ, Gerard Bolger of Wall Twp., NJ, and Christopher Bolger of Keyport, NJ, a daughter in law Lisa Bolger of Sonoma, CA, a sister Geraldine Neely of Massachusetts, five grandchildren Kathleen Foster and her husband Josh, Ryan Bolger, Zachary Bolger, Ava Bolger and Zoe Bolger and two great grandchildren Francis and John Foster.

Born in Newark, NJ to John Gerard and Carolyn Hyland, she and her husband Frank lived in Somerdale NJ, Pottstown, PA, Grosse Pointe, MI, and Valley Forge all before settling into retirement in Lavallette permanently 25 years ago.

Kathy held many jobs over her career, ranging from homemaker to shoes saleswoman, but her favorite job (and the one with the best stories) was a Reservation Manager for Marriott in Valley Forge, PA for many years. She was a passionate about volunteer work and worked with Meals on Wheels, the Deborah Hospital Foundation, The Moose, Owen J. Roberts swimming lessons for kids with disabilities, and the Red Hat Ladies.

Kathy loved Lavallette and was involved in many activities throughout the year. She was a parishioner of the Parish of St. Pio of Pietrelcina, Lavallette, NJ. Her Trivia Team at the Moose was almost always undefeated no doubt to her selection of teammates. She could often be found working an Oyster Dinner or selling mums with the Fire Ladies Auxiliary.

Kathy and Frank loved to travel, and they cruised around the world. After his passing in 2005 Kathy continued cruising – twice a year – every year until her diagnosis in 2020. Highlights of her cruising career included the invention of her alter ego of Esmerelda, obtaining Diamond Status on Royal Caribbean, and the friendships she made and maintained throughout the year.

She will be missed dearly by those who knew her and her memory will live on every time we hear a Frank Sinatra song or have a glass of wine with water and a little ice.

A memorial gathering will be offered Thursday, August 22, 2024 4:00pm – 7:00pm at the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, 706 Grand Central Ave., Lavallette, NJ.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered Friday, August 23, 2024 10:00am at the Parish of St. Pio of Pietrelcina, Lavallette, NJ.

In Lieu of Flowers, donations may be sent to Meals on Wheels of Ocean County.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.ryanfuneralhome.com.