Plan for the Future
Kathryn J. Fetten (nee Carangelo), 88, of Chatham Township, a devoted mother, grandmother, cousin, and friend, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. The daughter of Anna (nee Claps) and Dr. Vincent James Carangelo, Kathryn was born in Newark, New Jersey on September 17, 1934. She attended Sacred Heart Grammar School in Vailsburg, was a parishioner of Our Lady of Sorrows in South Orange, and later attended St. Vincent Academy in Newark. Her natural curiosity and academic intellect resulted in being promoted from second to fifth grade as an 8-year-old, before completing high school at age 16. Kathryn went on to graduate from the University of Vermont with a B.A. in English in 1955, where she was a member of Alpha Delta Pi. She met her future husband of 51 years, James F. (Jim) Fetten (deceased), at a summertime dance in Belmar, and they were married on May 26, 1956. After living in South Orange and Maplewood for a number of years, Kathryn and Jim moved to Chatham Township in 1972 where they raised their seven children. They were members of Corpus Christi Parish. Kathryn was a devoted and attentive mother to her five sons and two daughters, rarely missing a swim meet, ice hockey, soccer, football, or other sporting event. She was maternal in all respects, always placing her children’s needs before her own. In 1977, at age 43, as her children were on their way into adulthood, Kathryn went back to school at St. Barnabas Medical Center to become certified in respiratory therapy. She cared for people in all phases of respiratory distress and provided them comfort and compassion. Her most significant devotion, among all others, was to her faith. Kathryn was a devout Catholic who attended or watched daily Mass, recited the rosary, and participated in meditational prayer in furtherance of her unwavering faith.
In later years, Kathryn and her husband Jim retired to Manasquan and later Sea Girt. After Jim’s passing in 2007, Kathryn relocated back to the place where she raised her children, Chatham Township, and thoroughly enjoyed having her extended family close by. She never missed a birthday, loved talking to her children and grandchildren on the phone (daily), and joyfully welcomed visitors. She insisted each visitor leave with an original watercolor drawing (a hobby taken up in her 60’s), to spread her love of art. Kathryn’s smile, positivity (never said a harsh word about anyone), and genuine warmth will be greatly missed.
Kathryn is survived by her children Dr. James Fetten (Dr. Michelle Steffers), John Fetten (Jenny), Timothy Fetten (Tom Foley), Mary Dougherty (Dr. Kevin Dougherty), Susan Connors (Richard), Jeffrey Fetten (Laurie), Robert Fetten and grandchildren Tricia, Michael, Maggie, Sydney, Luke, Brody, Nick, Melissa (Randall Watts), Trip, Sean, Matthew, Francesca, Evan, Andrew, Kara, Nicholas, Alex, and Ben. Kathryn is predeceased by her beloved grandson, Brian Dougherty. The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to Mavern Hall, Kathryn’s friend and companion during the last 2 ½ years.
