Kathleen Mary Huckins

Kathleen Mary Huckins passed away peacefully at Jersey Shore Medical Center Hospital, Neptune, NJ on July 3, 2026 after an unexpected illness. William James Huckins, her devoted husband of 44 years, was at her side when she passed.

Born on December 19, 1945 at Margaret Hague Maternity Hospital in Jersey City, NJ as an only child to Margaret Ethel (Carmody) Quinn and Michael Quinn. She is preceded in death by her parents and her cousin Maureen Ryan who she lovingly viewed in life as her "Big Sister". Her father and grandparents emigrated from County Clare, Ireland (town of Kilkee). She savored her Irish heritage with visits back to the old country, exploring her roots and even becoming a dual US and Irish citizen.

She is survived by her loving husband William and her many cousins, nephews, and nieces in the Carmody, Quinn, and Huckins related extended family. Although not blessed with her own children, she particularly adored, cherished and loved the many little ones born to the family over the years. Kathleen and her husband had a wonderful life, enjoying the many dinners, parties, outings, holidays, and memorable events with both family and friends. Their one great love together was traveling to many vacation destinations all over the US (Hawaii, Key Biscayne, Beaver Creek, Arizona, Alaska, et al) and the world including Ireland, Europe, Iceland, Bermuda, the Caribbean, and on many Cruises.

Kathleen was a 1963 graduate of Redbank Catholic High School and went on to study at Monmouth College in West Long Branch, NJ. She joined AT&T Bell Laboratories, Holmdel, NJ as an administration assistant after high school. There she met her husband, fell in love, and was even proposed marriage and accepted in the building's atrium. She retired from Bell Labs after 31 years and joined Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Ocean, NJ as an agent due to her great personal love and interest in travel.

One constant in Kathleen's life was her great love of her pet dogs who she treated and looked after as her own children. Her great hope was always to meet her deceased sheep dog Courtney and her Bouviers Chanel, Zoe, Meggie, and Lexie at the Rainbow Bridge when she passed. She is survived by Quinn, her last loving and loyal Bouvier.

Kathy made many friends that she met along the way through family, marriage, childhood, high school, work, travel, and daily social interactions. She was always a loyal, supportive, and empathetic friend, never wanting to lose contact. It is apparent that these feelings are reciprocated based on the many notes of support, grief, and condolences expressed not only by her family but equally by her many friends.

A Catholic funeral mass will be held on Friday July 17 at 10:30am at the Church of the Precious Blood, 72 Riverdale Ave, Monmouth Beach, NJ. A Celebration of Kathleen's life will follow the service from 12:30pm to 3:30pm at The Proving Ground Waterfront Restaurant, 56 Shrewsbury Ave, Highlands.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Angelman Syndrome Foundation.

Services are entrusted to Jersey Shore Cremation Service, 43 Taylor Avenue, Manasquan, NJ - JerseyShoreCremation.com