Annette E. "Kita" Munley

Annette E. (Kita) Munley, 89, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025, in Hackettstown, New Jersey. Born on June 18, 1936, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Annette lived a life marked by dedication to education, family, faith, and civic engagement.

A proud graduate of Marywood University, Annette devoted her professional life to teaching music to students from kindergarten through eighth grade at Central School in Great Meadows for 37 years, retiring in 1996. Her passion for music education left an indelible mark on generations of students. The choral performances, band concerts, and musical plays she directed became cherished traditions within the community-her productions were nothing short of legendary. Beyond the classroom, Annette was a tireless advocate for her fellow educators, serving as President of her Teachers' Association for an impressive 18 years.

Annette's commitment to public service extended far beyond education. A lifelong Democrat with a deep belief in civic responsibility, she held numerous leadership roles within local and state political organizations, including past Vice Chair of the Warren County Democratic Committee; Treasurer of the Hackettstown Regional Democrats and Treasurer of the Warren County Democratic Women's Association. Her enduring dedication was further reflected in her long-standing role as a member of the New Jersey State Democratic Committee. One of the proudest moments of her political life came in 1984 when she served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in San Francisco.

Her passion for community betterment also led her to serve on the Board of Trustees at Warren County Community College for 6 years, including 4 years as Treasurer. Through this role and many others, Annette worked tirelessly to expand educational opportunities and support institutions that uplifted others. She was a long-time member of the Hackettstown chapter of Soroptimist International, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls through education, empowerment and advocacy, Additionally, she served for 5 years on the Employment, Education and Training Committee of the Warren County Human Services Commission. For these and many other accomplishments, too numerous to be named here, she was inducted into the Hackettstown Area Senior Hall of Fame in 2022.

Annette's Catholic faith was central to her life. She was deeply devoted to the Blessed Mother and St. Jude’s and found strength and solace through prayer and service. She taught CCD for 10 years at St. Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church. As a Partner in Giving to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, she extended her compassion beyond her immediate community to children and families in need across the country.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 40 years, Francis "Frank" Munley, in 2003. She is lovingly remembered by her daughters Cindy Stalter of Hackettstown and Patricia Hogan of Cape Coral, FL, along with sons-in-law Robert J Stalter and Jeremiah Hogan. Her grandson, Zachary Thiel, was truly the light of her retirement years; they were best friends. She loved sharing her Polish heritage with her grandson, even teaching him to make pierogi.

Annette leaves behind a legacy defined by unwavering dedication-to her students, her faith, her family, and her community. May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her. Viewings will be held Sunday, November 30, 2025, from 2-4 PM and 7-9 PM at Cochran's Funeral Home, Hackettstown. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, December 1, 2025, 11:00 AM, at Saints Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church 360 US Highway 46, Great Meadows. Burial service at Pequest Union Cemetery in Great Meadows, NJ 07838.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Annette's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.