Plan for the Future
~~Celeste Fischer Kalina, daughter of Valentine and Rebekah Fischer, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2017.
Celeste was born on October 19, 1924, in Philadelphia, Pa. She lived in Upper Darby and Malvern, PA, where she studied violin and piano at Villa Maria Academy. She graduated from Immaculata College with a BS Degree and earned her Master’s Degree at Rider University in New Jersey.
Celeste did research for the Navy during WWII. She was a social worker for the Department of Public Assistance prior to moving to Staunton, VA after she married Joseph Kalina, who had returned from active duty with the Navy in 1948. She was Director of Morris County NJ Board of Social Services and Executive Director of Morris View Nursing Home for 27 years until she retired in 1990.
Celeste was an advocate for the poor and medically indigent. She opened the first adult day care center in New Jersey and ran the Children’s Shelter for many years until it closed. She expanded the Morris View Nursing Home for Morris County residents and computerized the largest department in Morris County.
Zonta International of Morris County named her Woman of the Year in 1980. She worked for women’s rights around the world and was honored by many agencies for community service. She was honored by the US Senate and House of Representatives for her lifelong service to the community.
Mrs. Kalina was predeceased by her husband of 51 years, Joseph F. Kalina, and her sister, JoAnne Fischer. She is survived by her children Margaret Blake and her husband Bob, Joseph Kalina, and Jan Kalina. She was devoted to her grandchildren, Robert Blake, Jake and Carly Butynski, and Joseph Brent Kalina, as well as her great-grandson, Max Davis Blake.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 20th at 10:00 at Holy Family Church, 1 Lloyd Ave in Florham Park. Family and friends are invited to visit at William A. Bradley and Son Funeral Home, 345 Min St. in Chatham, between 8:30-9:30 prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Celeste’s name to the Florham Park First Aid Squad. For further information or to send a message of condolence, please visit www.www.bradleyfuneralhomes.com.