Kathleen Marie Rutar

Hillsborough, NJ

Kathleen Marie Rutar of Hillsborough passed away peacefully at home on May 19, 2024. Born in Newark, NJ on November 17, 1954, she lived in Branchburg for 23 years before moving to Hillsborough 3 years ago.

She is survived by her husband of 37 years, William J. Rutar. Some of their happiest times and most treasured memories were spent traveling together and walking the beautiful beaches in Siesta Key, Florida. Kathleen and William also deeply enjoyed opening their home to family and friends for holidays and special occasions.

Known for her warmth, kindness and selflessness, Kathleen had a remarkable ability to connect with others in a meaningful and uplifting way. Kathleen's love and devotion to William, her family and her faith shaped every aspect of her life.

Kathleen began her career with Schering Plough in 1976, where her strong managerial and leadership skills led her into numerous roles of increasing responsibility; she retired in 2010 as Senior Director of Logistics. While Kathleen achieved great professional success, she was most proud of the team she built over the years and the opportunity to be a mentor. A strong yet generous leader, Kathleen helped others develop skills to succeed and to reach their own potentials as well. While working through challenging projects she always encouraged her team to "keep pushing the peanut". Her ability to manage great responsibility while showing great kindness is evidenced by the fact that her staff and coworkers have remained among her most treasured friendships through the years.

Kathleen was a devoted member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Three Bridges, New Jersey, where her deep and enduring faith led her to join several ministries including Adult Faith Formation, Bereavement, Lazarus, Photography, Reader, Vacation Bible School and Women's Spirituality Group. While at their second home in Siesta Key, Florida, Kathleen was an active member of St. Michael the Archangel Church where she was a member of the prayer line ministry, reader and coordinator of the Adult Faith Formation program and aided in the development of their Bible study program that continues today. Kathleen loved sharing her talents and experience with the churches and organizations she felt so passionately about.

In addition to her husband, Kathleen is survived by her sister, Mary Ellen Bracaglia; brother James McCormick and his wife Lenora; brother William and his wife Patricia; sister Joan Murdoch; stepson William Rutar, his wife Carol and their children, Kyle and Colin Rutar. She is also survived by seven loving nieces and nephews and their spouses as well as 12 great nieces and nephews. Kathleen was predeceased by her parents, Mary and William MCormick and great nephew, Lincoln McCormick.

Kathleen was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 from 3-7pm at the Branchburg Funeral Home, 910 Rt. 202 South, Branchburg, NJ 08876.

Funeral mass will take place on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 9:45am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 105 Summer Road, Three Bridges, NJ 08887. Committal is private.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to St Elizabeth Ann Seton Church https://easeton.net/ and The American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/