Margaret J. “Peg” Roarty, 89, of Tinton Falls, died peacefully at home Nov. 1, 2023.
She was born in Chicago to the late Blandina and Max Kottewitz. Peg was raised in Chicago where she received high honors in high school, earning a scholarship to Mundelein College. Peg worked as an administrative assistant for Baxter Company. She and her husband lived in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and finally, New Jersey, where they settled in Colts Neck.
Peg loved people, animals, nature and art. She owned four horses and many dogs and cats throughout her life. She was an avid reader, talented artist, potter and sculptor and enjoyed traveling and spending time in Vermont. Her favorite days were spent at the barn enjoying the company of friends and animals.
She was a lifelong advocate for people with disabilities, volunteering for the ARC of Monmouth and SPUR (Special People United to Ride). She was charitable to no end.
She is remembered for her great sense of humor and her ability to maintain close connections with all those who knew her. Her circle of friends was large and diverse.
Most of all, Peg loved and cherished the time she spent with her family.
She was predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband John Roarty, her sister Carol Kottewitz, and her aunt Lucia Klas.
Surviving are her children, Carolyn Roarty and her companion Nick McDonough of Interlaken, Julia and her husband Quinten Johnson of Ocean Township, Kathy and her husband Sean Price of Neptune, and John Roarty of Frenchtown; and six grandchildren, Raymond, Jack, Caroline, Erin, Charlotte and Lucy.
A memorial gathering and Mass was held Nov. 6 at St. Catherine of Siena Roman Catholic Church, Farmingdale.
In lieu of traditional remembrances, please consider making a donation in Peg’s name to Alternatives Inc., 600 First Ave., Raritan, NJ 08869 or online at alternativesinc.org.
For messages of condolence, please visit Peg’s tribute page at holmdelfuneralhome.com.
This article originally appeared in the November 9 – 15, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
