Obituary of Agnes Cogan

Agnes Barbara Cogan (nee McLaughlin), 99, of Farmingdale passed into eternal life surrounded by her loving family on July 11, 2016. Agnes was born in Orange, NJ on May 25, 1917 and was the eldest of eight children of Agnes and Matthew McLaughlin. She was educated in the West Orange school system and was a graduate of the Drake College of Business. She worked as a Clerk and Administrative Assistant for 23 years at the Essex County Board of Elections. Agnes was predeceased by her loving first husband, John J. Nolan, Sr., and father of her children on December 8, 1959. She was also predeceased by her loving son, John J. Nolan, Jr.; and loving grandson, Gregory T. Nolan. Agnes was a strong believer in God and the American political system. She volunteered for many years in the town of West Orange as County Committee Ward leader and at various civic, religious and charitable events. Agnes married her sweetie, William M. Cogan in 1963 - a union that lasted close to 50 years. She prided herself on her homemaking, cooking and baking skills and was most happy when she and Bill entertained family and friends. She had a youthful spirit and was often found listening to music, singing and dancing. She was predeceased by her husband, William M. Cogan on November 12, 2012. She is survived by her brother, William C. McLaughlin and his wife, Patricia. She is also survived by her three children, loving son, James F. Nolan and his wife, Susan, loving son, Francis P. Nolan, and loving daughter, Barbara A. Lamb and her husband, Jake. Agnes is also survived by 15 loving and devoted grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren from whom she took great delight and was most proud, and many loving nieces and nephews. She was a good and faithful woman who loved her family and devoted herself to becoming the best that she could be. A visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Friday, July 15, 2016 from 2:00 to 6:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her 12:00 Noon Funeral Mass on Ssaturday, July 16, 2016 at St. Rose of Lima Church, East Hanover. Entombment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Agnes' name may be made to AUTISM SPEAKS, 1060 State Road, 2nd floor, Princeton, NJ 08540, Catholic Charities, P.O. Box 17066 Baltimore, MD 21297 or a charity of your choice. For information, directions or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.