Longtime Cranford Resident, Teacher Dies At Age 92

CRANFORD, NJ — Dolores R. Koellner, a Cranford resident of over 70 years, passed away peacefully on Friday, Feb. 18. She was 92 years old.

Koellner was born in Sayreville on July 2, 1929, to Victor and Apolonia Roskowski. She
grew up in Sayreville and was the youngest of 9 children.

As a teenager and young adult, Koellner and her sisters, Florence and Victoria, were part of a girl band, complete with "stunning fashionable clothing and upbeat arrangements," according to the family.

Koellner graduated from Montclair State Teachers College, now Montclair State University, in 1950. Upon graduation, she worked as an elementary school teacher in Highland Park. Later that year, she joined the staff at Sherman School in Cranford and then later started working at Walnut Avenue School in the school's inaugural year.

After a break from teaching to raise her two sons when they were young, she returned to teaching at Featherbed Lane School in Clark as a kindergarten teacher. She remained there for over 25 years.

Koellner was an active member of Cranford’s Spade and Hoe Garden Club for many years. One
of her greatest pleasures was flower arranging and creating framed pressed flower
arrangements. She shared this talent with her family on holidays and special occasions and
entered many competitions while a garden club member.

In retirement, Koellner became a member of the Cranford Village Improvement Association and was an avid bridge player with friends throughout town. She was also a member of St. Michael’s Parish.

Koellner and her husband, Bill, enjoyed traveling together and, when home, they shared an affinity for the classical arts. Together they attended concerts at the Juilliard School and The Metropolitan Opera.

Most of all, Koellner enjoyed spending time in her garden, visiting with her family and chatting with her neighbors.

Koellner was predeceased by her husband William and survived by her son Kevin and his wife
Therese, son Kenneth and his wife Polly, grandson, Scott and his wife Arlene, granddaughter
Courtney and her husband, Sam Goldenshtein, grandsons Connor and Michael and great-
grandchildren, Martin and Walter.

Koellner's family wishes to extend sincere thanks to Atria Senior Living and Caring Hospice.
Graveside services will be private for the family on Thursday, Feb. 24, at Evergreen
Cemetery in Hillside.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Caring Hospice Services of Central New Jersey and can be sent to:

Caring Hospice
1090 King Georges Post Road
Edison, NJ 08837

Arrangements are by Gray Funeral Director of Cranford. Please go to: Gray Funeral Homes to offer condolences.

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