Lillian Kinney

Lillian L. Kinney, 73, widow of Jim Kinney of Newton, peacefully passed away on Thursday (April 30, 2020) after a long illness. She was born in Newton, NJ, July 31, 1946, a daughter of the late Martin and Grace Mabee of Lafayette. Lillian graduated from Montclair State University and also held a master’s degree in Education. Mrs. Kinney held a long and dedicated physical education position at Stillwater Township School where she was beloved by her students. She was a lifelong member of the Lafayette Federated Church where she married the love of her life, Jim Kinney on April 27, 1968. Lillian was also a certified swimming instructor, teaching swimming lessons at a number of venues around the county for most of her adult life. Lillian loved gardening, planting hundreds of flowers around her home and an abundant vegetable garden in her back yard each year. Lillian loved jogging, square dancing, bike rides, Cape May, her red Mustang, hazelnut gelato and any opportunity just to sit outside in the sun.

She is survived by her brother, Dennis Mabee and his wife Susan of Cheshire, Connecticut, her son Jay Kinney, her daughter, Kerry Kinney, son-in-law, Gil Bakal, grandsons, Fisher Bakal and Miles Bakal, all of New York City, her nieces, Sue Stone, Lori Vanstone and Karen Mabee, her nephews, Peter Vanstone, Rich Vanstone, Tom Vanstone, Mike Mabee and her cherished black Labrador, Ricochet.

Her smile and kindness with be eternally missed.

Arrangements in care of Smith McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High St, Newton, NJ 07860

Contributions in her memory may be sent to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center P.O. Box 5028 Hagerstown, MD 21741-5028 or online at https://giving.mskcc.org/