Rita Kugelman

KUGELMAN- Rita M. (nee Adair) of New Milford, formerly of Hasbrouck Heights, on January 10, 2007. Rita was the oldest of six children, born in Elmhurst Long Island in 1917 to Rita (Sheil) and Sylvester. She lived briefly in Columbus, Ohio, Peoria, Illinois, and several other Midwest cities before settling in Union City, New JerseyKUGELMAN- Rita M. (nee Adair) of New Milford, formerly of Hasbrouck Heights, on January 10, 2007. Rita was the oldest of six children, born in Elmhurst Long Island in 1917 to Rita (Sheil) and Sylvester. She lived briefly in Columbus, Ohio, Peoria, Illinois, and several other Midwest cities before settling in Union City, New Jersey, in 1931. She attended St. Michael’s High School in Union City, and it was there that she met Lawrence Kugelman, her beloved husband of 66 years. They had 9 children, and it was her life’s work to raise them in love and security. Her children, her 16 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and all who had the privilege of knowing her learned from her lifelong example, the importance of caring, of laughter, of hard work and fairness, of always doing your best, and of the unshakable nature of true commitment. She accepted life’s hardships with courage and ever-stronger faith in God. She was selfless to a fault—always putting the needs and well being of others before her own. She shared these gifts with family, friends, neighbors, and strangers, and all were enriched for having known her. Her legacy lies in the countless hearts she touched and healed during her 89 years on this earth, in her indomitable strength of spirit and sense of humor, in her singular capacity to bring out the best in others and to always see the beauty and wonder of the world, no matter how dark the day might be. Rita is survived by her beloved husband, Lawrence, and her loving children, Lawrence and Dulcie Kugelman, Robert and Diane Kugelman, MaryEllen Carabello, Kathleen Fazzari, Patricia and Martin Kafafian, Rita Dettmar, Veronica and Brian Danahy, and her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her daughter Nancy and son Joseph preceded her in death. Funeral service Monday, 9AM from Volk Leber Funeral Home 268 Kinderkamack Road, Oradell, then to St. Joseph’s RC Church for a 10:00AM mass of Christian Burial. Internment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to visit Sunday 2-4 & 7-9 PM.