Nelda R. Ragan, 92, of Sea Girt, passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2015. Born in Newark, NJ, she attended Marylawn of the Oranges High School and Rosemont College in PA before marrying Frank X. Ragan, Jr.
Nelda was very active in St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Sea Girt since the church was built in 1953. She was a former Trustee, Parish Council Member, Past President of the Altar Rosary Society, and Eucharistic Minister. Nelda was also very active in Sea Girt School. She was a Member of the first Board of Education of Sea Girt, the first PTO President, and she volunteered for 36 years in the Art room. Nelda also volunteered for 30 years at Jersey Shore Hospital in the Pediatrics Department. In addition, Nelda was a James F. Ackerman Federation Member, and she was one of the original members of the thrift shop of Jersey Shore Medical Center.
Nelda was predeceased by her husband Frank X. Ragan, Jr., and parents Walter and Alma Murray. She is survived by nine children; Frank X. III and wife Virginia; Peter and wife Susan; James and wife Deborah; David and wife Deborah; Elizabeth and partner Susan; Robert and wife Andrea; Richard and wife Linda; Thomas and wife Edie; and Mary Chris. Nelda is also survived by 23 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
Visitation will take place on Thursday, March 26, 2015 from 4 – 7 PM at O’Brien Funeral Home, 2028 Route 35, Wall, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, March 27, 2015 at 9:30 AM at St. Mark’s Catholic Church, Sea Girt, followed by a burial at St. Catharine Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Nelda’s memory to Yesterday’s Best Thrift Shop, 81 Davis Avenue, Neptune, NJ 07753.