Obituary of Edwina Kaye Kowalew

There is a brand new star up in Heaven.

Edwina Kaye Kowalew, 76, of Howell passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, and went to be with her Lord and Savior. She was born January 21, 1949 at Fitkin Memorial Hospital in Neptune and was a lifetime resident of Howell. Kaye graduated from Southern Freehold Regional (Howell) High School in June of 1967. She was a bookkeeper for the Township of Howell in the Tax Collectors Office for 35 years, retiring in 2013. Kaye was known for taking in strays, animal or human, her door was always open to creatures in need. She enjoyed rock music, especially Bruce Springsteen. Kaye enjoyed word puzzles of any kind and was known for finding the bright side of any situation.

Kaye was predeceased by her high school sweetheart and husband of 45 years, Wasyl “Wes” Kowalew in December 2012; and son-in-law, Christopher Klammer in September 2020. She was also predeceased by her parents, Walter and Edwina Brown Patterson; and guardians, Millard “Dick” and Virginia Birdsall. Kaye is survived by her children, Barbara Kowalew of Howell and Brenda Klammer of Jackson; grandchildren, Nicholas and Sarah Ward; sister, Ann and brother-in-law Richard Malsbury, Sr. of Howell; 4 nieces and 1 nephew and their families; and 2 beloved cats, Wasca and Sasha.

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Sunday, March 30, 2025 from 12:00 to 4:00 PM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend her 11:00 AM funeral service on Monday, March 31, 2025 at the Funeral Home. Interment will be private. For those who desire, memorial contributions may be made to Calling All Cats Rescues, 77 East Veterans Highway, Jackson, New Jersey 08527. For information, directions, or to leave condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com