Obituary of Kathleen F Dirkes

Kathleen F. Dirkes, 82, of Oxford, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on February 18, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on September 6, 1942, in Laurel Springs, NJ, to the late Frances and Mildred Dougherty. A devoted mother and active community member, Kathleen was involved in the PTA and served as a Den Mother for the Boy Scouts. She had a passion for writing letters and sending Christmas cards to friends and family, ensuring they always felt remembered and loved. Kathleen also enjoyed sewing and volunteered her time making pillowcases for children with cancer. Kathleen is survived by her daughters, Bonnie Gardner and her husband David, Deborah Clifford and her partner Manny Sevdalis, and Kathleen Statz and her husband Stephen; her son, Daniel Dirkes and his partner Tracey Hart; 14 grandchildren; and a growing number of great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind her sister, Noelita Cuifolo. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her beloved husband, Kenneth Dirkes Sr., who passed in 2023; her son, Kenneth Dirkes Jr.; and her brothers, Butchie Dougherty, Dennis Dougherty, and Patrick Dougherty. Visitation will be held on Friday, February 21, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Warren Hills Memorial Home, 234 West Washington Ave., Washington, NJ 07882. A service celebrating Kathleen's life will take place on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 11:00 AM in the funeral home. Burial at Hillside Cemetery, Oxford, NJ, will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice at karenannquinlanhospice.org or The First Presbyterian Church of Washington in Kathleen's memory.