Katherine Keszler

Katherine (Zenko) Keszler, aged 101, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 18, 2025, in West Long Branch, NJ, due to age-related health complications. Born on May 31, 1923, in New Brunswick, NJ, to Sophie and Michael Zenko, Katherine lived a life marked by love, care, and community spirit.
In 1947, Katherine married Geza 'Guy' Keszler, and together they built a warm, loving home in Central New Jersey where they raised six children. After the passing of her husband in 2002 and her firstborn son, Alan, in 2019, Katherine continued to be the family's cornerstone, providing unwavering support and love.
Katherine's legacy includes a successful career where she owned and operated several businesses including a tavern in South River, a small market in Morgan, and the White Oak Market in Seaside Park. She also dedicated part of her life to education, teaching in the 1960s before retiring in 1986.
Beyond her professional life, Katherine cherished her time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, often seen humming to them as she rocked them in her arms. Her home was the hub for holidays and family gatherings, a testament to her role as a beloved matriarch.
She leaves behind a loving family: her daughter-in-law Lynn Keszler; son Michael and his wife Debbie; daughter Kathy Mostowy and her husband Walter; sons Roger and his wife Sharon, Robert and his wife Joan, and Ronald and his wife Betsy; along with 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.
A service to celebrate Katherine's life will be held at the Lutheran Church of the Reformation, 992 Broadway, West Long Branch, NJ, on Saturday, March 15 at 3 pm. The Damiano Funeral Home in Long Branch, NJ, is assisting the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation Of America, 290 Turnpike Road, Suite 5-315, Westborough, Maryland 01581 Web: https://myasthenia.givevirtuous.org/donate/donation-form or the American Cancer Society, 2310 Rt. 34 Suite 1D, Manasquan, New Jersey 08736 Web: https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate/memorial-giving.html, organizations that held a special place in her heart. Katherine's kindness, dedication to her family, and community involvement will be deeply missed and forever cherished by those who knew her.
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