Camille Nocera

Camille (Kim) Nocera, 88, of Toms River, New Jersey, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend to many, passed peacefully on Friday, July 18, 2025, surrounded by family. She was predeceased by her childhood sweetheart and loving husband, Patrick, with whom she shared 55 years of marriage and a full life in Elizabeth, NJ, Toms River, NJ, and Thompson, PA. Patrick was an entrepreneur and a skilled tool & die maker. Pat and Kim ran Apex Machine Shop for many years before retiring. In her later years, Camille found joy and companionship with her fiancé, David Kirch, whose presence brought warmth and laughter to her life.

Camille was a devoted mother to Pat Jr. (and Marilyn), Dave (and Amy), and Andy (and Nancy). She was a loving grandmother to Mike (and Sarah), Tony, Nicole, Andrew (and Fawn), Lauren, and Alex (and Katie), and a cherished great-grandmother to Brandon, Erik, Alyssa, Evan, Aiden, Reed, and Ruby Drew. Camille was a friend to all, known for her compassion and kindness—especially to those in need. Her siblings include Genevieve (Gen) and Bertram ( Babe) Baker, Margaret (Midge) (and Jack) Hughes, Charles (and Suzanne) Sales, Thomas (and Marianne) Sales. And she leaves behind her adopted family, Anne and John O’Brien.

Born on August 22, 1936, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to Genevieve (Nienart) and Charles Sales, Camille's life was marked by resilience and determination. “When handed lemons, Kim made lemonade.” She was a devoted caregiver, taking in 13 foster children, and cherished her friends, relatives, and community. Camille was an active member of Silver Ridge Park Westerly, the Italian American Club, the Elks, and the VFW, known for her humor and “kibitzing.” Her personality was always outgoing and engaging. She enjoyed friendships, social events, RVing, and was a talented artist whose paintings are highly regarded.

The family will receive friends and relatives on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM at Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, 145 St. Catherine Blvd., Toms River. A Catholic Mass will follow at 10:00 AM at St. Maximilian Kolbe RC Church. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sisters and Brothers Outreach Inc. (Emergency Food Pantry) via Zelle at 908-994-9797 or mailed to Dr. Sheila Fall, 717 East Curtis Street, Linden, New Jersey 07036.

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