Claire Ann Kappler

Age 87
Somerville

Claire Ann Riordan Kappler passed away on Tuesday, April 9 at home surrounded by her loving children.

She was predeceased by her husband of 45 years, Leonard N. Kappler. She is survived by her children Ann M. Kappler and her husband Mark Herlihy of Chevy Chase, MD, Kathleen Kappler Miller and her husband Ross Miller of Lopatcong Township, NJ, and John L. Kappler and his wife Andrea Karanik of Peapack, NJ. Her grandchildren Liam, Ciaran, Michael, Erin and Brian Herlihy, Chris Miller, and two great grandchildren, Lauren and Colin Herlihy, also survive her.

Claire was born in Hampton, NJ, November 14, 1925. She graduated from Hampton High School in 1943 and Georgian Court College in 1947. An accomplished actress, she performed summer stock, directed many amateur productions, and was a passionate teacher of Drama and English at Phillipsburg and Plainfield public schools, and Mount Saint John’s Academy in Gladstone.

Claire was a devoted servant to social causes, including the Warren Hospital Auxiliary, Ship’s Galley, Rosary Alter Society (President), Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and 4-H. She was also a Trustee of Immaculate Conception Church, a member of the Lazarus Society and the Circle of Friends. A resident of Somerville since 1955, Claire was a long-term member of the Somerville History Club and the Friends of Somerville Library.

Claire and Len traveled across the country and throughout Europe together, having many grand adventures. An avid bridge player and reader, she also had many artistic talents, including painting, needlework, baking and sewing. She positively and spiritually impacted many lives through a life of giving and caring, and always with a smile.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to SHIP, 87 East High Street, Somerville, NJ 08876.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 9:30am on Monday, April 15, at the Immaculate Conception Church, Somerville. Interment to follow at St. Ann's Cemetery, Hampton. Visiting hours from 2pm-5pm on Sunday, April 14, at the Cusick Funeral Home, Somerville