Mildred Kessler

MILDRED (SHINN) KESSLER, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 17, 2016 at the Masonic Village in Burlington, NJ at the age of 96. Born May 4, 1920 in Philadelphia, PA, she was a lifelong resident of Riverside, NJ. Mildred went to Saint Peter’s School in Riverside graduating 8th grade in 1935. She and her late husband Ted were graduates of the Riverside High School Class of 1939 where she ran track, was a cheerleader, and played basketball. Mildred was predeceased by her husband Theodore Kessler (1995) and her grandson Theodore Kessler III (1996). She is survived by her children Theodore Jr. (Paula) of Hopewell, NJ, Donald (Maggie) of San Diego, CA and Joanne Smith (Robert) of Hainesport, NJ; 5 grandchildren: (Mara) Kessler, Thomas Kessler (Dana), Greggory Kessler (Lisa), Robert Smith Jr. (Keriann), and Amanda Smith; and 5 great-grandchildren: Heather Kessler, Brittany Kessler (Zachary), Morgan Colindres (Julio), Derek Kessler, and Cooper Smith; and 2 great-great grandchildren: Logan Colindres and Kinley Crozier. Mildred is also survived by her sister-in-law of 73 years Janet Cutitta and several nieces and nephews. Mildred was a loving mother and grandmother and dedicated to her family. She was also loved by many of her friends’ children and her children’s friends who adopted her as their family. She was an avid knitter who just last year knitted her 2,688th Christmas stocking. She knitted more than 50 fisherman knit afghans. She was a wonderful cook and big sports fan, especially the Phillies. She followed all of her children and grandchildren to their sporting events throughout the years. Mildred and Ted traveled to all 50 states in their retirement years, returning to Maui, Hawaii several times as their favorite spot and documented their trips in several photo albums. She loved the beach and collecting shells. She suffered a stroke in 2001 and through hard work and perseverance learned to walk again and went to live with her daughter Joanne and her husband Rob and their children. Mildred was a longtime member of the First Moravian Church in Riverside. She officially became a member when she got married in December of 1943. So many will miss her, including the staff of North 2 Wildwood at the Masonic Village in Burlington where they knew her quick wit and sense of humor. Friends may call on Thursday night, July 21 from 7-9 PM at the Perinchief Chapels, 438 High St, Mt. Holly, NJ and on Friday morning from 10-11 AM at the First Moravian Church 228 E Bridgeboro St., Riverside NJ with a Funeral Service following at 11 AM. Interment will be at Lakeview Memorial Cemetery in Cinnaminson NJ. Donations can be made to the First Moravian Church 228 East Washington St., Riverside, NJ 08075 and earmarked for the Restricted Endowment Fund.

Mildred Kessler

May 4, 1920 - July 17, 2016