Kafafian, Kathleen (nee Brook) of Hackettstown, formerly of Toms River and Hasbrouck Heights, on December 20, 2009. Kathleen was the youngest of ten children, born in London England in 1923 to Elizabeth (Jenkins) and Walter. After completing her education, she began working, eventually taking a position with the war office. Her experiences of wartime London were often shared with her children and grandchildren. It was there at a local dance that she met an American serviceman, Leon Kafafian, her beloved husband of nearly 41 years who predeceased her in January 1986. In a leap of faith, she came to the United States in 1946 and built a life with her new husband. That life revolved around her family. As a new bride welcomed by her husband's embracing family, she came to know and appreciate a different culture and became proficient at traditional recipes which in time she would pass along to the next generation. She and her husband had three children and it was her life's work to raise them in love. She enjoyed the company of many friends over the years and derived tremendous pleasure from returning to England to spend time with family as well as welcoming many English relatives to her American home. Kathleen is survived by her loving children, Leon and Helena Kafafian, Martin and Patricia Kafafian, Mark and Audrey Kafafian, her brother Charles Brook, 9 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Funeral service 11AM Thursday at St. Simons Church, Green Pond Road, Green Pond. Interment George Washington Memorial Park, Paramus. Visiting Wednesday 4-8PM at the Richards Funeral Home, 1440 Union Valley Road, West Milford. BACK