Theresa Grace Kinlin, 78, of Middletown, passed away peacefully July 27, 2026, surrounded by her beloved family.
Born in Keansburg to George and Dorothea Callahan, Theresa was a graduate of St. Ann’s Grammar School in Keansburg and Red Bank Catholic High School in Red Bank. She went on to become an accounts specialist for the United States government at Fort Monmouth, where she dedicated more than 40 years of service.
She married the love of her life, William “Bill” Kinlin, of Keansburg, and together they eventually settled in Middletown.
She was predeceased by her daughters, Lauren Kinlin and Kristin Anne Kinlin; her stepson, Robert Kinlin; her parents, George and Dorothea Callahan; her sister, Margaret Convery; her brothers-in-law, Dennis Jacques, John Ruane, and Peter Novembre; and her parents-in-law, T. Edward and Anne Kinlin.
Theresa is survived by her devoted husband of 53 years, William “Bill” Kinlin; her stepson, Tracy Kinlin (Jen); her grandchildren, Cody, Jake, Connor and Robert; her great-grandchildren, Luke and Corey; her sisters, Dorrie Ruane, Cathy (Michael) Pasquinelli, and Lorraine Novembre; her sisters- and brothers-in-law, Eileen Jacques and Tom and Angie Kinlin; and many devoted nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and friends.
Theresa was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary and volunteered at the VFW in Port Monmouth. She was honored with the Four Chaplains Award presented by the Legion of Honor. Through the VFW, Theresa formed many lifelong and loving friendships.
She supported many local charities through the Kristin Anne Kinlin Memorial Foundation. She was lovingly known as “Aunt Cookie” because of her famous and delicious homemade toffee cookies. Theresa loved hosting her family for many wonderful holidays and gatherings, creating cherished memories for all who attended.
Theresa also enjoyed traveling extensively with Bill, family and friends to many exciting destinations. She was a faithful member of Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Middletown, New Jersey, where she prayerfully volunteered in the Adoration Chapel.
Theresa was the most wonderful person and will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. July 31 at John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, 115 Tindall Road, Middletown. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Aug. 1 at St. Mary’s Church, 19 Cherry Tree Farm Road, Middletown. Burial will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Middletown.
Flowers are welcome or, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Theresa’s memory to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia at give2.chop.edu.
The article originally appeared in the July 30 – August 5, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
