Celia Irene VonOesen, a beacon of love, passed away peacefully at home Dec. 7, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born April 23, 1940, in Bayonne, Celia was the cherished daughter of the late Valentine and Sophie Zygmunt. Her life was a testament to her unwavering kindness and dedication to her family and community.
Celia’s journey began in the town where she was born and raised, and it was there she met her high school sweetheart, Kenneth VonOesen, through their shared involvement in the Civil Air Patrol. Their love blossomed, and they married in 1960. The couple planted their roots in Belford in 1963, where they joyfully raised their family.
After decades of creating memories and building a life together, in 2002, Celia and Ken retired to New Bern, North Carolina, where they enjoyed many happy years. Following Ken’s passing in 2022, Celia returned to New Jersey to be closer to her children.
Celia’s legacy is carried on by her devoted family, including her three daughters and sons-in-law, Christine (Mickey) O’Neil, Debra (Fred) Burd, and Kathleen (Doug) Martin; her son, Kenneth Jr. (widower of Barbara Filan); her sisters, Christine Byers and Nancy Botwin; her 12 grandchildren, Chris (Katie), Kenneth III (Alyssa), Peter (Erin), Nick (Kristi), Erin (John), Joseph, Danny (Erin), Megan, Jonathan, Sean, Shannon and Amanda (Gary); and her eight great-grandchildren, Emree, Colton, Grayson, Aria, Ella, Celia, KJ and Lennon.
Her legacy is also marked by the passing of her sisters, Barbara DeSantis and Francis Wanagiel.
Celia’s professional life was marked by her determination and intellect. She began her career at Navesink Country Club as a waitress before becoming their bookkeeper. Her pursuit of knowledge led her to earn an accounting degree. Celia then served as the fiscal officer at the New Jersey Marine Sciences Consortium on Sandy Hook, where she was respected for her professionalism and expertise.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Celia was deeply involved in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives. She served as a Girl Scout leader and never missed a chance to support her grandchildren, whether at school functions, sporting events, dance recitals or plays. Her love for her family was immeasurable. Celia also shared her knowledge as a math tutor and volunteered at local schools.
The family enjoyed spending summers on the family boat, traveling up the Hudson and out to Fire Island, creating lasting memories.
In New Bern, Celia’s passion for nature and craftsmanship found expression in her membership in a garden club and three quilting clubs. An avid reader and beach enthusiast, she relished the simple joy of combing the beach for little treasures. Celia’s love for sports was evident in her support for the New York Mets and Giants, teams she followed with enthusiasm.
Celia Irene VonOesen will be remembered as a loving, kind and intelligent woman whose presence enriched the lives of all who knew her. Her warmth, wisdom and unwavering support will be deeply missed, but the memories she created will continue to inspire and comfort her family and friends for generations to come.
A memorial gathering and service were held Dec. 12, 2025.
In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a plant that the family can enjoy or making a memorial donation in Celia’s memory to either the Monmouth County SPCA, where she adopted her beloved cat, Alice (monmouthcountyspca.org) or Middletown Helps Its Own, a charity she enjoyed volunteering for, which helps the people in her community (middletownhelpsitsown.com).
The article originally appeared in the January 1 – 7, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
