Kathleen G Berkowitz

Kathleen Anne (Grigas) Berkowitz passed away suddenly on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at her home in North Brunswick, New Jersey. Kathy, as she was affectionately known, was born on September 13, 1953, in Ridgefield, New Jersey, to the late Ethel Michelle (née Pittman) and John Grigas, the oldest of their two children. Kathy was a dedicated mother, wife, friend, educator, and mentor. She is an alumna of South Brunswick High School, and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education and her master’s degree in developmental reading from The College of New Jersey (formerly Trenton State). She later completed her Waldorf Education Early Childhood degree from Sunbridge College, as well as her remedial teacher training. Kathy also received her School Administrator license.

Kathy was married for 41 years to Dr. Robert G. Berkowitz of Highland Park, New Jersey. They lived in North Brunswick for the entirety of their marriage. Kathy’s most cherished role was as mother to her and Bob’s daughter, Jacquelyn D. Berkowitz. Together, they enjoyed traveling (especially cruising), going to see Broadway shows and Jacquelyn’s many dance recitals and plays, and cheering on sporting events (mainly the Yankees and Rutgers football, basketball, and wrestling).

Throughout her career, Kathy was a devoted educator. She first taught language arts at Krepes School in East Windsor, New Jersey, and at Brookdale Community College. For 12 years, she taught at the Waldorf School of Princeton as an Early Childhood Teacher, and served as the Early Childhood Department chair and college chair. She was a cherished part of the Waldorf community as a teacher and a parent. She later served as the director of the Kean University Child Care and Development Center in Union, New Jersey. There, she increased enrollment and implemented the Reggio Emilia Approach of learning. She presented their work at countless national conferences, and was awarded the New Jersey Child Care Association Director of the Year award in 2013. For the final four years of her career, she was the director of A Child’s Place School in Lincroft, New Jersey, where she was also the chair of the state’s Reggio Emilia Organization (NJEEPRE).

Kathy was the glue that held her family together, sharing her unconditional love to all. She was a stellar hostess and the life of the party wherever she went. She welcomed family and friends around the table for numerous Hanukkahs, Passovers, birthdays, and many celebrations throughout the years, which often featured her famous brisket. Kathy was always there to help, and would go out of her way to do so. She always made sure you felt her love and knew how important you were to her. She had an endless love for fun, dance, and silliness. Kathy was a magical fairy godmother to her many nieces, nephews, godchildren, and countless others. She never missed a birthday, when she would give a three-way call that included her, Bob, and Jacquelyn singing and sharing their love. Kathy was a multifaceted student of life, and would selflessly share her gifts.

Kathy leaves to cherish her loving memory her husband Bob, daughter Jacquelyn, sister-in-law Yvonne Grigas and nephew Troy Grigas, brother-in-law Mark Berkowitz, brother-in-law Joe (Tamara) Berkowitz, sister-in-law Rhonda (Dave) Cataldi, numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and a host of friends. Besides her parents, Kathy was predeceased by her brother John Grigas and sister-in-law Valerie Berkowitz.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the North American Reggio Emilia Alliance or the Berkowitz Scholarship Fund (Samuel and Sandra Memorial Scholarship) at Sherman Chiropractic College.

Professional services entrusted to Crabiel Parkwest Funeral Chapel of New Brunswick, NJ. Please visit www.crabielparkwest.com to sign the online guestbook.