Obituary of Kathleen C. Bruhns

Kathleen C. Bruhns, age 66, of Clinton Twp., NJ died suddenly, Tuesday, January 1, 2013 after a brief illness. She was born September 24, 1946 in Catskill, NY. Kathleen received her Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY Potsdam with a degree in Elementary Education and taught several years in the NJ public school system before starting her family. Kathleen resided in Clinton Twp., NJ for the past 33 years and was a proud homemaker, a teacher and a philanthropist, whom always loved to be surrounded by children. She was a member of the Woman's Club of Clinton and led its scholarship program. Kathleen and her late husband were passionately involved in the Linden Rotary where, among many influential programs, she focused on its youth exchange program, choosing to host many foreign exchange students throughout the years, keeping up with their lives and families as they became adults. Additionally, she devoted her time and talents to many youth based charities and organizations like the Make-A -Wish Foundation where she served as a volunteer and coordinator. She was a board member of the Dr. Orlie Pell Fund, Inc. of Hunterdon County and was a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church in Clinton Twp., NJ. Kathleen loved to travel the world and so she did. She traveled extensively throughout the US, Europe and South America. Her greatest joy was spending time with her beloved family. Kathy is survived by her daughter, Kristen Sharkey and her husband Tim, of Lower Saucon, Pa., her son, Michael Bruhns and his wife Lori, of Hillsborough, NC; and her cherished and most beloved grandchildren, Ryan & Katie Sharkey and Traver & Enzo Bruhns. In addition, she is survived by her mother, Sophie Traver and her sisters; Tani Traver & Stephanie Gaida, all of Texas and sister-in-law, Dolores Moore. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gary Bruhns in 2012 and her father, Clint Traver. Kathleen's Life Celebration will include a visitation on Saturday, January 5th from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at Martin Funeral Home, 1761 Route 31, Clinton, NJ. There will be a funeral mass immediately following at 1:00 pm at the Immaculate Conception RC Church, 316 Old Allerton Road, Annandale, NJ. The interment will be held at the Evergreen Cemetery in Clinton, NJ. For memorial donations, please consider the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of America, Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 6062, Albert Lea, MN 56007-6662 or the Woman's Club of Clinton, c/o Ms. Carol Masek, 702 Deerfield Lane, Asbury, NJ 08802.