Kathleen Tongring

Kathleen Tongring ObituaryKathleen "Kathie" Tongring, (nee Anderson), 80, of Interlaken, NJ passed away peacefullyat home surrounded by her loving family.
Kathie lived almost all her life in Monmouth County, NJ; she was born in Long Branch and grew up in Deal where she lived with her parents Margaret Patricia Anderson (nee Ryan) and Daniel "Buddy" William Anderson, her two brothers, Michael Daniel Anderson and Daniel William Anderson, and her loving sister, Mary Ellen Anderson
Vaccaro. Kathie was predeceased by her parents, Daniel and Margaret, and her brothers, Michael and Daniel.
Kathie is survived by her devoted husband of 59 years, George Tongring; her three children, Kara Tongring Wirin and her husband David of Interlaken, Krista Tongring of Alexandria, Virginia and Gregory Otto Tongring and his wife Christina of West Allenhurst; her six cherished grandchildren, Gregory Ryan, and Luke Wirin, Tatum Lawson, and Connor and Owen Tongring; her sister Mary Ellen Anderson Vaccaro and her husband Lou; and countless other family and close friends.
Kathie attended Holy Spirit grammar school in Asbury Park and St Rose High School in Belmar. After high school, Kathie attended Katherine Gibbs Secretarial School in New York City.
Kathie and her husband, George, were high school sweethearts. Together for 65 years, they married in 1965 at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church of Deal and settled in Interlaken to raise their family. A devout Catholic, Kathie was a parishioner of St. Mary's for over 50 years and her three children attended St. Mary's Grammar School. In the Catholic tradition, Kathie exuded the spirit of volunteerism. She was a constant presence on the St. Mary's Grammar School PTA, where she helped run the Holly House Tour Boutique and Gaudeamus fundraiser for many years.
Kathie had an entrepreneurial spirit and, along with her sister-in-law, Mirta Anderson and lifelong friend, Linda Lepore, opened The Polished Look, a successful nail salon.
Kathie was a gentle and loving wife, mother, and friend to so many. Her kindness touched everyone who knew her, and her presence brought warmth and comfort wherever she went. She had the patience of a saint and a truly selfless heart, alwaysputting others before herself. Her legacy of compassion, strength, and quiet grace will
live on in the lives of everyone she touched. She found joy in sewing, crafting, quilting, and cooking-each project a reflection of her love and imagination.
Kathie loved her husband and three children above all else. Building a strong, loving family was her greatest purpose, and she devoted her life to George, Kara, Krista, and Greg. Some of her fondest memories included summer weekends at Manasquan beach and the joy of annual family ski trips-moments filled with laughter, connection, and lasting traditions. She had a true passion for entertaining, delighting in all the thoughtful details that made each gathering special. Kathie warmly welcomed countless friends and family into their home for memorable dinner parties and joyful celebrations. She and George cherished their friendships deeply, especially their annual vacations with Hughie and Kathie Flannery, Geoff and Lynn Lawler, John and Lucy Maher and Thomas and Sandy Stiles- trips filled with fun, laughter, and lifelong bonds.
Kathie relished family traditions, and her favorite time of year was Christmas. Her beloved 'decorate the tree party' was a festive event that brought her family together in warmth and laughter. She also found great happiness in filling stockings with care and love for each family member. These cherished traditions reflected the joy she took in creating meaning for those she loved most.
Her six grandchildren were a source of joy and pride for Kathie. "Grandma" was a constant presence in their lives. She made sure every holiday and birthday were special, creating memories that will be treasured forever.
Kathie's absence will be felt deeply by her husband, her children and grandchildren, her sister, Mary Ellen, and countless friends and family.
Relatives and friends are invited to honor Kathie at her Funeral Mass at St. Mary of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church, 46 Richmond Ave., Deal, NJ 07723 on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Interfaith Neighbors in Kathie's honor. https://interfaithneighbors.org/. For condolences, please visit www.fiorefuneralhomes.com.
Kathleen "Kathie" Tongring, (nee Anderson), 80, of Interlaken, NJ passed away peacefullyat home surrounded by her loving family.
Kathie lived almost all her life in Monmouth County, NJ; she was born in Long Branch and grew up in Deal where she lived with her parents Margaret Patricia Anderson (nee Ryan) and Daniel "Buddy" William Anderson,