Catherine “Kate” Wolfertz (Vance), age 77, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2025, in Columbia, New Jersey. Born on March 18, 1948, in Dover, New Jersey, Kate lived a life full of joy, adventure, and unwavering love for her family and community.

Known affectionately by many as “Miss Kate,” she built a life around connection and care. Her passion for driving led to a long and meaningful career behind the wheel of school buses for local schools and later for an elderly home while living in Florida. Whether transporting children to school or seniors to appointments and outings, Kate’s warmth and generosity made her beloved by all her passengers. She was known to bring gifts during the holidays, small tokens of her big heart that left lasting impressions on those she served.

Kate’s life was rich with the things she loved most—her family, her friends, and the simple joys of everyday living. She had a zest for adventure that often took the form of spontaneous drives with no destination in mind—just the open road and the thrill of movement. She hated being cooped up and preferred to be out and about, whether it was enjoying a good meal at the diner (always ordering her favorite BLT sandwich), picnicking with loved ones, or simply sipping coffee outdoors with those closest to her.

Her hobbies reflected her vibrant spirit. She found excitement in casino trips, especially at the penny slots, and relished her bingo nights as cherished social outings. At home, she was always ready for a lively card game—Phase-10 being a family favorite—even if the competition got fierce. These moments were never just about the games; they were about laughter, connection, and making memories.

Kate’s greatest pride was her family. She is lovingly remembered by her children: Lynn Marie and Douglas Dougherty; Deborah Quinn and Duane Smith; Robyn & Brett Smith; and Robert and Jaime Wolfertz. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Courtney and Louis Orlando; Kevin Dougherty; Amanda Quinn and Matthew Mielczarek; Karissa Smith; and RJ Wolfertz. She also leaves behind great-grandchildren Evan and Mackenzie Mielczarek.

She was predeceased by her devoted husband, Robert “Bob” Wolfertz, as well as her loving brothers Thomas “Tommy” Vance and James “Jimmy” Vance.

To know Kate was to know unconditional love. She gave freely—of her time, her energy, even the shirt off her back if someone needed it. Her heart was pure, her laugh infectious, and her spirit unbreakable. She never took life too seriously but lived it fully each day with humor, compassion, and an open heart.

Kate’s absence leaves a profound void in the lives of those who knew her. Yet even in sorrow, there is deep gratitude for having shared in the light she brought into this world. May her memory continue to bring comfort to all who loved her—and may we carry forward her legacy of kindness, spontaneity, and fierce love.

Heaven has gained an extraordinary angel.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 11th, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street,  Hackettstown, NJ, followed by a Celebration of Life from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM at the American Legion in Belvidere, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place • Memphis, TN 38105, www.stjude.org or Joan Knechel Cancer Center, 651 Willow Grove Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840, atlantichealth.org in Kate’s memory.

For those wishing to leave online condolences for the family please visit, www.cochranfuneral.com