Kathryn Cheryl Chicken, age 66, of Byram, NJ died on Friday, May, 18th at her home surrounded by her loving family. Kathryn was born May 12, 1952 in Paterson, NJ to the late Basil and the late Elaine Merena. Kathryn was a life-long resident of New Jersey.
Most recently, Kathryn worked as the permanent substitute teacher at the Mount Olive Middle School and also tutored students in need of home instruction in Mount Olive, NJ. She previously worked as a regular substitute teacher for years in the Byram School system. After earning her bachelor’s degree from Montclair State University, she went on to earn her master’s degree in counseling. Kathy later taught high school biology and tutored students in need of home instruction in various parts of New Jersey for a number of years.
Kathryn was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, great-aunt, and friend. She is survived by her loving husband, Ronald G. Chicken, her daughter, Amy Louise Werner, her son Ronald F. and his wife Jessica, her brother Robert Merena and his wife Caryn, her brother Alan Merena and his wife Catherine, her brother Bruce Merena, her nephew Zachary Merena, his wife Amanda, and their three children; Callie, Colton, and Jase, her nephew, Paul Merena, his wife Betsy, and their daughter Collette.
Kathy was always the life of the party and could light up a room with her smile. She took every opportunity that she could to visit family and friends.
Kathryn was a strong Christian woman, and while her family was not ready to say goodbye, they are comforted knowing that she is resting peacefully with Jesus now and they look forward to seeing her again.
Visitation hours will be Sunday, May 20, 2018, between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, and Monday, May 21, 2018, between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM, at Cochran Funeral Home, Inc., 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ.
A service will be held at Cochran Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at 10:00 AM, followed by a graveside service and burial at Laurel Grove Cemetery, 295 Totowa Road, Totowa, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace Church on the Mount, 1500 US-46, Netcong, NJ, 07857 in memory of Kathryn.
Online condolences may be made at www.cochranfuneral.com
Condolences:
Denise Erwin
#28
May 24th, 2018 8:40 am
I'm so sorry for your loss. I know it has been a long, agonizing journey, but she is now at peace. I am thinking of your family.
Penelope and Rik Atkinson
#27
May 23rd, 2018 7:07 pm
Ron and family- Sorry to say, we did not learn of Kathy's passing until after the services. We are sure they were special, and we wish we could have been there. We have so many wonderful memories of us all hanging together at the pool, dinner, Poconos and the Jersey Shore. You worked together to take photos, at our daughters' weddings to give us lasting memories. Kathy was always the most kind and generous hostess. She was fun and made us smile. So sorry for you loss. Heaven has another beautiful, gracious person, far too soon. We love you all. Penny and Rik
Richard & Diana Zoschak
#26
May 23rd, 2018 10:51 am
Ron,
Diana and I are so sorry for your loss. Kathryn is in our prayers.
Cynthia Larson
#25
May 23rd, 2018 1:32 am
Your most radiant, beaming, luminous and incandescent beauty and down -to-earth personality will be greatly missed. Your smile always was the receiving light as you walked through the corridors. Your kindness and soft spoken voice and your laughter will always be remembered. The Light of the Lord is with you. You're now resting in Him in peace.
Sharon Flaherty-Delacruz
#24
May 21st, 2018 12:59 pm
To Ron and his children there is no bigger loss than the loss of Kathy. I went to high school with Kathy and back then she was the sweetest person you could know. Time never changed that. Her kind and sweet personality stayed with her over the years. In the past few years I had many get togethers with our high school friends. Kathy never missed any of them until she got sick. All of our friends will miss her. At every get together she made this amazing jello. It was a hit and will be missed at our gatherings. Kathy you fought a courageous fight. We are so heartbroken that cancer won. You will never be forgotten because you were loved by all that knew you. Wilfred and I will miss you Kathy.
Rest In Peace. Heaven has just gained the sweetest angel.
Always in our heart. Sharon and Wilfred Delacruz
Kelly Canfield/ Lebo Family
#23
May 21st, 2018 8:51 am
Dear Ron and family,
I am so sorry to here of your loss. My thoughts and prayers will be with you.
Sincerely,
Kelly Canfield/ Lebo
Kathy Silvestri
#22
May 21st, 2018 8:45 am
My deepest & heartfelt sympathy to Ron & his family. We at M.O.M.S. have been truly blessed to have worked with Kathy. Not a day went by when Kathy wasn't offering help to a student, assisting staff with a daily task or illuminating the halls with her radiant smile & generous Christian spirit. She will forever live in my heart & memory as my lunch time companion, my shoulder to lean on, my person to bounce an idea off of, my buddy who often made me laugh uncontrollably, a 1/3 of the 3 Kathys, & my dear & "darling" friend.
David Eisenberg
#21
May 21st, 2018 8:02 am
Kathy was a very kind, caring and sincere person. Someone I grew to trust and value her friendship, who I'm very grateful to have known, and will remember and miss. I'm blessed to have shared holidays with her and your family. I'm so sorry for your loss, my thoughts are with you
Rolf and Kathy Rupprecht
#20
May 20th, 2018 9:58 pm
Dear Ron and family so very sad to hear of Kathy’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Rolf and Kathy
Barbara Bissig
#19
May 20th, 2018 2:01 pm
It is a blessing to have known Kathy and to call her a friend. She touched the lives of many and leaves a wonderful legacy. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Psalm 116:15
Amparo Lopategui
#18
May 20th, 2018 1:53 pm
Dear Ron, I wish to express my deepest condolences to you and your family. I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Kathy with deep affection. We had many wonderful conversations and shared both good times and bad. She always had a smile on her face and possessed such kindness, compassion, and understanding. She had a truly beautiful soul. I feel honored to have known her, and I will miss her terribly. May she rest in peace.
Angelo Sweeney
#17
May 20th, 2018 8:43 am
My family and I are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. I am going to miss Mrs. Chicken’s humor, smile and kind way at school. I feel very lucky for having her as a substitute.
Tom and Geri Parsons
#16
May 20th, 2018 8:37 am
Dear Ron, we are so sorry to hear about Kathy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love
Tom and Geri
Dorothea Rubin
#15
May 20th, 2018 7:12 am
My heart aches for you and your family's loss. May you be comforted knowing that Kathy is in Paradise and rests in peace. May God bless you and your loved ones.
Marci Macho
#14
May 19th, 2018 10:00 pm
Dear Ron;
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Kathy always had a smile on her face and we shared many laughs together at MOMS. I am so fortunate to have had her as a friend. I will miss you. Rest In Peace.
Becky Neidhardt
#13
May 19th, 2018 6:57 pm
Kathy is an amazing woman who has touched so many students and teachers in our building. Her bright smile will be missed in the halls. We are all so very lucky to have been part of her life! Our thoughts and prayers reach out to Ron and his family!
Joan Cooper
#12
May 19th, 2018 4:14 pm
Kathy will always be remembeted for her smile,her wit and her kindness. RIP dear Kathy and keep that smile in heaven. You will be missed !!
Clinton Wacker
#11
May 19th, 2018 11:30 am
I am so sorry to hear of Kathryn's passing. We were high school classmates and i remember her well. Long blond hair and sparkling blue eyes. We always talked when we passed in the hallways at ERHS. How I never asked this beautiful girl out on a date is my only regret. I am happy that she lived her life to the fullest and has lived it with such a beautiful family. For her family and all who knew her I send my sincerest sympathy, that God is his understanding and kindness will bless you all with joy and comfort with her memory bringing joy, not sorrow.
I will keep all of you in my prayers this Sunday at Mass, and pray for your grieving family and friends.
Norelia Cuevas
#10
May 19th, 2018 11:04 am
I am honored and blessed to have known your wife. She was truly a blessing in my family. I will miss her, words Connot even begin to express my sorrow
Michael Mania
#9
May 19th, 2018 9:50 am
Dear Ron and family,
No words could express my deepest sympathies. Kathy was one of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing and working beside. She always said hello to me with a smile. I will miss her very much, but know I will see her again in the kingdom of Jesus our Lord.
She is at home in the greatest place she could be.
Michael Mania
#8
May 19th, 2018 8:56 am
Dear Ron and family,
No words could express my deepest sympathies. Kathy was one of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing and working beside. She always said hello to me with a smile. I will miss her very much, but know I will see her again in the kingdom of Jesus our Lord.
She is at home in the greatest place she could be.
Sheri Newton
#7
May 19th, 2018 6:08 am
My heart goes out to you and your family as you go through this terrible loss of such a wonderful woman. Kathy was a devoted person who was loved at the Middle School. Her kind words, and bright smile will be missed.
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.
Amy Bakke
#6
May 18th, 2018 9:42 pm
So sorry to hear about Kathy's passing. She was a kind woman. Sincere condolences to Ron and his family.
Rebecca Kreider
#5
May 18th, 2018 8:28 pm
Kathy was a beautiful and soul and will always be remembered. I am blessed to have been a part of her life.
Bruce Young
#4
May 18th, 2018 5:48 pm
To my good friend Kathy rest in peace you will be missed
Rich Cook
#3
May 18th, 2018 5:29 pm
Rest in Peace, Kathy. Our deepest condolences to Ron and family.
-Patti & Rich Cook
Armin & Nancy Sommer
#2
May 18th, 2018 4:50 pm
So sad for the loss. But so glad for the promise of eternal life.
1 Thessalonians 4:13
Diane and Walt Windish
#1
May 18th, 2018 4:22 pm
There was never a time in my life that Kathy wasn’t part of it. We will miss our amazing cousin with her beautiful smile and personality and her ability to make anyone smile. We will ALWAYS love her. We’ll be praying for all of you now; Kathy no longer needs prayer, she’s with her Lord.
Walt and Diane
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