Kathleen Theresa Fitzpatrick Brown, 63, of Montclair, NJ, passed away on Monday, October 27, 2025. She was predeceased by her beloved parents, Edward and Kathleen (née James) Fitzpatrick.
Kathleen was the devoted wife of Leonard DeWitt Brown, Jr. and the loving mother of Leonard DeWitt Brown, III, whom she considered her greatest joy and proudest accomplishment. She was the cherished sister of Edward (Karen), Deirdre, Maura (John), Daniel, Oona, and James (Monica), and a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews. She was also a devoted godmother and a treasured friend to many.
Kathleen served as a Court Administrator for the Superior Court of New Jersey in Newark in recent years, following a successful career managing an IT department for a global pharmaceutical company and leading the Y2K Conversion project for a national bank.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kathleen found joy in gathering with her family and friends and going to all the movies. She loved a good tailgate as much as any celebration—always making sure there was great food, laughter, and that everyone felt welcome. She devoted herself to adding beauty and grace to the world around her—through her passion and talent for interior design, being a phenomenal host at her unforgettable celebrations, and cooking amazing meals that brought people together.
A true fighter, Kathleen faced two decades of illness with extraordinary courage, quiet strength, and grace. Despite the challenges she endured, her life was defined not by hardship but by her compassion, wit, warmth, and steadfast love for others. She had an unmatched ability to see the good in people and went to great lengths to ensure that everyone around her felt cared for and at peace.
Her radiant smile, sense of fun, and generous heart will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Visiting hours are Friday, November 7, 2025, from 4–8 PM at Pizzi Funeral Home, 120 Paris Ave, Northvale, NJ. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at 10 AM at St. Catharine’s RC Church, Blauvelt, NY, with interment to follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Valhalla, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kathleen’s memory to the Society of the Little Flower at littleflower.org.
My sincere sympathy to Kathleen’s husband, son & the extended Fitzpatrick family. I have fond memories of my young cousin Kathleen visiting Ireland.
Anita
Farewell to our brave and lovely cousin Kathleen. We all treasure memories of Kathleen’s big personality and generosity of spirit from childhood to the very end. Kathleen truly brought joy and laughter to those around her and her infectious, unmistakable laugh could be heard across any room she graced.
Rest in Peace Kathleen
So well stated Breda. My heart is so sad at the loss of my friend.
I have no words that can describe how I feel. I lost a friend co-worker and really incredible person. I will never forget all that you did for me at work and personally. Forever in our hearts. Please send me a red cardinal to show me your still around Love Debbie Zank and Tinamarie
May Kathleen’s extraordinary spirit and enduring legacy continue to inspire others to embrace community, pursue their dreams while making a meaningful impact in the world. As her colleague, I witnessed firsthand how she radiated light and positivity at our job, even while navigating the challenges of her health with grace and strength. I will deeply miss our long discussions about life—her sharp intellect, honest insights, and great sense of humor. The laughs and funny stories that we shared over the years will remain as cherished memories.
My deepest condolences go out to Kathleen’s beloved husband, her son—her greatest joy and pride—and her entire family. May the Ancestors welcome Kathleen with warmth and love as she rests in God’s perfect peace.
Angelette Waters
A lovely person, always helpful and giving. Kathleen was at all times equal measures pleasantness and competency. She was admired by so many. My deepest condolences to her family.
Oh wow brother no words describe what I can say or do for you to make you feel better. God give you strength to keep helping your family. Love you and you know I’m here anything you need.
Len, I am so sorry to hear of your great loss of Kathleen! There are no words to console you, but know there are many people that are here to support you and your son! My condolences to you and your entire famly!
So sorry to hear this news about our cousin, Kathleen. I have great memories of her from when we were very young and used to write to each other. We finally met in Enniscrone when we were 10 or 11 years old on a wonderful holiday with so many other cousins. So glad we got to meet up again at the reunion. Jenny, David and I send sincere condolences to all the family – she was far too young and so much to give.
A beautifully expressed testimony about someone that enhanced the lives of her family and friends. My deepest sympathies to the Fitzpatrick and Brown families over the loss of your dearest Kathleen, someone who used talent, wisdom, knowledge, and compassion to touch the lives of those around her. May Kathleen remain in your memories, always.
Lenny & Lenny – your obituary for Kathleen perfectly captured why I owe her a debt of gratitude. As it said she “faced two decades of illness with extraordinary courage, quiet strength, and grace. Despite the challenges she endured, her life was defined not by hardship but by her compassion, wit, warmth, and steadfast love for others. She had an unmatched ability to see the good in people and went to great lengths to ensure that everyone around her felt cared for and at peace.” There is a country song that speaks to not what you take when you leave this world but what you leave behind. She has left behind an example of how to face adversity…with grace, strength, courage and a willingness to help others persevere.
I can attest that I directly benefited from her compassion, wit and the bluntness that only she could deliver. In September 2016, facing the next round of my cancer journey she took several hours to share what I was facing. As horrific as it sounded but being aware of what was coming was better than not knowing, and as you might expect, she did not sugar coat what was coming. At the same time, she provided the encouragement that was needed to keep going. There is a song about when you are going through hell to keep on going. Only God knows why he allowed me to get thru this nightmare rather than one who was much more deserving like Kathleen. I have tried to pass on to newly diagnosed friends the journey they are facing so they are not scared just as she did for me. To this day, I give her credit for telling me about peripheral neuropathy. At 3AM the morning after my first Chemo treatment my feet were experiencing the first symptoms. Had it not been for her warning, I would have had no clue what was happening.
As my treatments progressed and the toll it took piled up, she always had a word or two or a hundred to encourage me. Having someone who had experienced much worse to offer encouragement provided me with strength to continue my battle.
Kathleen, thank you for all you did for me.
Rest in Peace.
Peter Whitfield
So sorry to hear the loss of Kathleen, The whole Chillingsworth family send their condolences to her husband, son and all the Fitzpatrick family. We all remember the reunion in Ireland which she helped make happen and those fond memories will remain with us forever. She will be dearly missed by everyone that met her.
My sincerest condolences to Lenny & Lenny and the Brown & Fitzpatrick families. I have very some very fond memories of us growing up in our teenage years. One of my fondest memories was sleeping over at the Fitzpatrick’s and opening up Carvel the next morning with her Dad. Having fresh Carvel ice cream for breakfast is the best! I made my family have some last weekend in her honor. At the very least, I will miss her laugh, her spirit, her energy , and generosity. Rest in peace dear, sweet Kathleen…