Kathleen McEvoy, 78, of Montclair, NJ, formerly West Allenhurst and Newark, NJ, passed away on Friday, June 12, 2026.

Kathleen was a dedicated social worker, advocating for children first for Youth and Family Services, then with Montclair Public Schools, and lastly at Early Intervention/Head Start.

Kathleen was the ultimate caregiver between her work and her beloved family. She was there for anyone in need effortlessly. She was the one you always wanted to have in your corner.

She was a voracious reader who loved her daily newspapers and her first job at the library. She was kindhearted and civic-minded; always in the know and a fierce supporter of democracy and doing the right thing. She followed the cardinal rule: treat others how you would want to be treated.

She lived a content life focused on family, her feline friends, plus her beloved granddog Murphy. She enjoyed the simple things: nature, a good cup of coffee with the morning paper, time spent with family, especially her daughter with whom she had the strongest bond. She spread positivity with her warm smile and optimistic spirit.

She is survived by her daughter Kristin Wilson (Nick), her sister Patricia Alexander (Harvey), her sisters-in-law Theresa Cicchelli (Jerry) and Sonia Hairabedian, her nephews Brian Alexander (Mahua) and John Cicchelli (Andrea), and her niece Laura Cicchelli. She was predeceased by her parents, Edward and Helen, her husband Gregory Hairabedian, her sister Mary Ellen, her brother Kevin, her sister-in-law Gloria Azarian, and her nephew Edward Alexander.

The family will have a Celebration of Life in August.

In Kathleen’s memory, donations can be made to:

Human Needs Food Pantry

9 Label St., Montclair, NJ 07042

Humanneedsfoodpantry.org/donate.