Obituary of Kathryn M. Testa
July 19, 1939 – December 25, 2024
Kathryn M. Testa, age 85, passed away peacefully at Chestnut Knoll in Boyertown, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family. Born on July 19, 1939, to George and Katherine Darrar in Plainfield, New Jersey, Kathryn spent her formative years in the West End of Plainfield, where she cultivated lifelong friendships and a deep sense of community.
A proud graduate of Plainfield High School, Kathryn began her early career at Ethicon in Bridgewater, New Jersey, where she worked as a lab technician. In 1962, Kathryn embraced her most cherished role as a homemaker, dedicating herself to raising her family with boundless love and care.
In the 1970s, Kathryn and her family operated Ye Olde Park Luncheonette in South Plainfield, a beloved community gathering spot where her warmth and dedication were evident to all who visited. Later, in 1987, Kathryn returned to the workforce, joining Johnson & Johnson in Piscataway, New Jersey. Over the years, she earned numerous promotions, eventually becoming a systems analyst and team leader. Her work ethic and determination inspired all who knew her.
Kathryn was a woman of deep faith, nurtured from a young age in a Catholic household. She attended St. John’s Catholic School in Dunellen and was a devoted parishioner of Our Lady of Fatima in Piscataway, where she served as a CCD teacher and raised her children in the church. In 1975, after moving to Green Brook, she attended St. Luke’s in North Plainfield.
Kathryn’s life was rich with passions and accomplishments. She served as president of the Jaycees, was a member of the Booster Club at Green Brook High School in support of her children, and enjoyed dancing and music. In 2008, she moved to Easton, PA, to the retirement community The Highlands at Glenmoor, where she participated in numerous social functions and found joy in playing bridge. Later in life, she resided at Chestnut Knoll Care Facility. However, nothing brought her greater happiness than spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She often shared her wisdom with a smile, famously saying, “Can’t hit a moving target.”
Kathryn was predeceased by her beloved husband, Frederic Testa, who passed away in 1991. She is survived by her three children, Kathie Cadmus and her husband Robert, Sharon Testa-Smith and her husband Mark Smith, and Frederic Testa and his wife Michelle. She leaves behind her cherished grandchildren, Andrew Cadmus, Jon Cadmus, Joseph Cadmus, Kelly Smith, Matthew Smith, and Jameson Testa, as well as her great-grandchildren, Jonathan Cadmus and Jacob Cadmus. Kathryn is also survived by her dear sister, Lois Yaniero.
Kathryn’s legacy of love, strength, and perseverance will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of her family and friends.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2024, from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Higgins Home For Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung, NJ 07069. A Mass will be held on Friday, January 3, 2024, at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Fatima, 501 New Market Rd., Piscataway, NJ 08854. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery, Scotch Plains, NJ.
Her family takes solace in knowing that Kathryn lived a life full of love and purpose, always moving forward with grace and determination.
