Reverend Dr. Kathleen Louise Roney, who was born on January 22, 1948, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2026,  at The Vero Nursing Home in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, lived a life marked by faith, learning, compassion, and devoted service to others.

Kathleen pursued her education with purpose and distinction, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology from Judson University in Elgin, Illinois. She went on to receive two Master's Degrees from Northern Theological Seminary in Lisle, Illinois, one in Divinity and one in Pastoral Counseling. Her academic journey culminated in a PhD in Theology from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. Her commitment to study reflected both her intellectual curiosity and her deep desire to understand and serve the human spirit.

A woman of strong faith and quiet strength, Kathleen dedicated much of her life to ministry and pastoral care. She served as a jail chaplain at Somerset County Jail, where she offered counsel, comfort, and dignity to those in need of hope and understanding. Her work in that setting reflected her belief in the possibility of grace, healing, and renewal for every person. She was also a member of First Baptist Church in Morristown, New Jersey, where she found fellowship and continued to live out her faith among her church community.

Those who knew Kathleen remember her as thoughtful, compassionate, and deeply committed to the well-being of others. She approached life with intelligence and grace, and she carried herself with a calm presence that brought reassurance to those around her. Her ministry, her scholarship, and her personal example touched many lives in meaningful ways.

Outside of her professional and spiritual commitments, Kathleen enjoyed traveling, reading, and art. These interests brought her joy and enrichment throughout her life, and they reflected her appreciation for beauty, discovery, and reflection. Whether exploring new places, immersing herself in a good book, or appreciating artistic expression, she embraced the world with curiosity and gratitude.

Reverend Dr. Kathleen Louise Roney will be remembered for her devotion to her family, her unwavering faith, and her lifelong service to others. Her legacy endures in the lives she touched through her ministry, her scholarship, and her compassionate spirit. She leaves behind a memory of dignity, kindness, and purpose that will be held dearly by all who knew and loved her.

SURVIVORS: Kathleen is survived by her daughters, Kelly Wilson of Allentown, Pennsylvania, and Catherine Wilson of Newark, New Jersey. She was predeceased by her parents Patrick Roney and Ida (Fisher) Roney.

SERVICES: A Memorial Service will be held at 2 P.M. on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at St. Martin's Episcopal Church- 1350 Washington Valley Road, Bridgewater, NJ 08807. Kathleen's services have been entrusted to Cantelmi Long Funeral Home, Bethlehem. A memory tribute may be placed at www.cantelmifuneralhome.com.

CONTRIBUTIONS: In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Kathleen's name to United Way of Greater Newark via the following link- https://secure.qgiv.com/for/uwgn-inmemoryofkathleenlroney.