Kathleen "Kate" McKelvey-Gleason

Kathleen McKelvey-Gleason, affectionately known as "Kate", 66 of Beachwood, NJ, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her favorite people on Thursday, August 28, 2025. Born in Neptune, NJ, Kate was a true "Jersey Shore Girl" who was very proud of her Irish heritage. She grew up in Seaside Heights and ultimately settled in Beachwood to raise her daughter Janet alongside her beloved husband Mark.

Kate was a graduate of Central Regional High School. After graduation she proved to be a dedicated worker at her various places of employment; however, she was most proud of being a bartender at her father's establishment, McKelvey's Bar, in Seaside Heights.

Kate had a spirit filled with adventure and pursued many interests. She loved to attend the Cranberry Festival and the New Jersey Hot Air Balloon Festival each year. Come Christmas time she spent many years volunteering for Toys for Tots, taking great pride in not only wrapping toys but distributing them to children as well. Kate enjoyed winter sports, cross-country skiing being a favorite, but summer was when she was happiest. She was an avid kayaker and could often be found taking walks up and down the Seaside Heights Boardwalk. Kate and her family attended many concerts at the Arts Center. She especially enjoyed seeing James Taylor there. Famous for her love of lighthouses, Kate completed the NJ Lighthouse Challenge twice. She and Mark made annual trips to the Florida Keys and spent many happy hours fishing on their boat.

Kate's home was always welcoming and warm. It was the go-to gathering spot for family and friends no matter the time of day or year. She was proud to have a home that her daughter and her friends could always count on to be a perfect place to gather. Kate surrounded herself with the most wonderful people, some of the most notable being the self-proclaimed "Fairy Godmothers.". This lively group of girlfriends shared dinners, day trips, and the responsibility of spoiling all the kids in their lives absolutely rotten. They could always be counted upon to assist Kate with the incredible parties and special events that she hosted. These were events when she let her joy of entertaining shine through her outstanding culinary skills and impeccable taste.

Kate is predeceased by her sister Janet, her brother David, and her parents John and Joan McKelvey.

Kate will be forever held and cherished in the hearts of her loving family: her husband and best friend of 34 years Mark Gleason, her daughter of whom she was extraordinarily proud, Janet and her husband Joshua Gleason. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law and sisters-in law Elena Tomkowich, James and Mickey Gleason, Daniel and Candace Gleason, Edward and Kathy Gleason, her godson Brian Stewart, and a wealth of extended family members and friends, all of whom she adored.

Kate's inner strength and the loving support of her family and friends offered her great comfort during her illness. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the nurses and aides at Ocean Medical Center for their compassionate care during Kate's battle with cancer. Those who wish to honor Kate's memory are invited to make a donation to the charity of their choice.

To love and be loved by Kate was truly a gift. Those whose lives were touched by Kate will forever be better for having known her. She will be greatly missed every single day.

A Celebration of Kate's Life will be announced at a later date. All arrangements are entrusted to the care of Carmona-Bolen Home for Funerals, 412 Main Street, Toms River, NJ. Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.carmonabolenfh.com