Teresa (Karpinski) Kelly

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Teresa Kelly (nee Karpinski) age 95, of Snug Harbor, Toms River, NJ, on Thursday, January 30, 2025 surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Jersey City, NJ, she attended Ferris High School. Shortly after high school, Terry was named Miss Yankee Doodle. (It’s no wonder her family could always find Yankee Doodle cupcakes in her kitchen.) She lived in Carteret and Woodbridge, NJ, before moving to Toms River in 1999. She had been a summer resident of Toms River since 1989, where she loved to entertain her friends and family at her home on the waterfront of Snug Harbor.

Terry was a fashion icon with an impeccable sense of style,  always ready for a dinner party or night out on the town. Above all, Terry‘s greatest joy came from the moments she spent with her family filling every gathering with warm laughter and love. She had deep and meaningful friendships her entire life which she always held close to her heart.

Her love for her family was boundless, and her warm presence was felt at every gathering, making every moment and every person feel special.

Terry was a parishioner of St. Justin the Martyr RC Church, Toms River.

Terry is now reunited in heaven with her beloved husband, George Kelly, who passed away in 2020, and her dear son-in-law, Christopher Lang, who passed in 2024. Her parents Stella and Joseph Karpinski, brothers John, Edward, Joseph Karpinski and sister Frances Mc Mahon also predeceased Terry.

She leaves behind her cherished daughter, Susan Lang of Toms River and her adored grandson Thomas Lang, both of whom were the joys of her life. Terry was a devoted grandmother to Tom, her bond with him was especially meaningful. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews, whom she loved so dearly. Terry’s legacy of love and resilience will live on in their hearts and the hearts of all who knew her.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, February 3, 2025 4:00pm – 7:00pm and Tuesday, February 4, 2025 11:00am – 12:00pm at the Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, 995 Fischer Blvd., Toms River.  Burial to follow on Tuesday at Ocean County Memorial Park, Toms River.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.ryanfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Teresa (Karpinski) Kelly, please visit our floral store.