Obituary of Kathleen Emelda Earlington

A one of a kind gem, known to many as “Bubbles”, Kathleen Emelda Earlington came into this world in Kingston, Jamaica West Indies on January 9, 1931 to parents Millicent Rochester and Ivan Ivers.   Within weeks of being born, Kathleen was baptized at Holy Trinity Cathedral on January 28, 1931 and confirmed her faith on December 12, 1943, as a committed and devoted Roman Catholic.

As a young girl, Kathleen enjoyed a very happy and privileged childhood.  She attended Alpha Catholic Elementary School, which shapes the lives of Jamaicans and garners a reputation of excellence among its pupils.  As a young lady, she went to Badminton College, a school that holds a special position in the Jamaican education system by its tradition of outstanding academic and athletic achievement. While at Badminton, Kathleen studied and majored in foreign languages.

Kathleen was a very smart and fun spirited young lady, who always had a smile on her face.  Her dimples were striking and so noticeable that her nickname “Bubbles” was derived from them.  She was a fashion icon, who loved to dress up, especially since her mother, Millicent, was a top seamstress in Jamaica and even had a school for teaching others the art of sewing.   

During an Easter Party in 1955, Kathleen was so stunning in her Sunday best, that she captured the eyes of Roy Neil Earlington, her beloved husband.  They danced together and had a great time.  From that day, he courted and loved her for the rest of their lives together.  Kathleen, at age 25, married Roy on his 23rd birthday, September 12, 1956.  They were blessed with five children and a step-daughter.  Her children were the center of her life.

In 1968, at the age of 36, Kathleen got an opportunity to migrate to the United States (US) to pursue a nursing career.  She returned to Jamaica in 1969 and subsequently brought her husband and five children to the US.  Determined to reunite the family, Kathleen brought her mother, brother, and his wife to the US in 1979. 

Kathleen had a distinguished career in healthcare, where her kindness and empathy for caring, loving and helping others were demonstrated.  In 1972, Kathleen was awarded her Nursing Degree, and joined the staff at St. Claire’s Hospital and Health Center in New York City, where she worked for 25 Years until she retired in 1993.  During the course of her career and through her commitment to hard work and discipline, Kathleen and Roy established financial security for the family.  Working hard, giving back, saving money and planning for the future were some of the many lessons learned from Kathleen. She was extremely generous in her commitment to supporting religious and medical communities.  Kathleen supported Catholic Charities, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, and the Scleroderma Foundation.

Kathleen and Roy lived in the Bronx for many years and moved to Florida, following her retirement.  They became snowbirds and lived with her daughter, Sandra and her family in New Jersey when they were not in Florida.  Kathleen was adored by her children and grandchildren, and was always with them on vacation, traveling throughout the US including places like Hawaii.   She also traveled to other countries including the Bahamas, Canada, England, and France.  Kathleen attended all family life events including: weddings, births, baptisms, confirmations, graduations, birthday parties, etc. 

In her final days, Kathleen and Roy insisted on celebrating their 65th Wedding Anniversary.  The family gathered on September 12, 2021 and had an opportunity to honor their mother and father.  It was a wonderful celebration of love, life and family – all of the things that were important to Kathleen.  This special celebration was attended by Father Mike, who bestowed blessings on Kathleen and Roy, their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  Kathleen’s light of happiness shined, and two days after this memorable celebration, she passed away and went to Heaven, leaving us all with one last beautiful memory of our beloved mother.

Our one-of-a-kind gem, Kathleen, left a family that is truly heart-broken over her passing. She was predeceased by her eldest child, Hugh Anthony Johnson, and grandson Lloyd Johnson.  She is survived by her devoted husband, Roy Neil Earlington; her children, Sandra Pemberton, Michael Earlington, Cheryl Guillou, Karen Sachs, step-daughter Althea Bowen; and brother, Delano Attride.  She also leaves to mourn 14 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; sons-in law; daughter-in-law; brother-in-law; sisters-in-law; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, caretakers, and long-time friends, all of whom she loved and will miss her deeply. 

What a strong, loving and kind woman!  Such a gem; Kathleen “Bubbles” will always be in our hearts.  We will follow her life lessons and forever cherish her memories. She leaves a legacy of hard work, financial discipline, commitment to family, a belief in God and bringing joy to family and friends.

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 from 5:00 to 9:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her 9:00 AM Funeral Mass on Thursday, September 30, 2021 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 91 Stillhouse Road, Millstone. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 10 West Stevens Ave, Hawthorne, New York 10532. For those that cannot attend in person, the family invites you to participate via webcast, HERE. For information, directions, or to leave condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com