Obituary of Kristen Leigh Ritter

Kristen Leigh Ritter (Taylor) passed away unexpectedly on October 14, 2015 at the age of 38. From the day she was born she touched this world and everyone in and around her. Kristen's love and energy was so infectious that she elevated people to raise their game and strive to do more. She loved to travel, and with her husband T.J. they visited over 53 countries. She also loved music, cars and especially the NY Jets. Kristen was born in Manhattan, NY and has lived in Morris Plains, NJ for the last 9 years. She received her Bachelor's degree from American Military University and her Master's degree in Science from College of St. Elizabeth. Kristen was very influential at Newscorp where she worked for many years before becoming the head of internal communications at Aetna a year ago. She was on the board of directors for the Special Olympics where she helped to raise over 20 million dollars. Kristen is survived by her beloved husband and best friend of 17 years, Thomas "T.J." Ritter of Morris Plains, NJ. She is also survived by her mother Celia Thompson and her father Peter Taylor, as well as her siblings Samantha Taylor of Los Angeles, CA, Heather and her husband Thomas Kelly of Staten Island, Nicole Thompson of Staten Island, and Anthony and his wife Kristyn Thompson Allentown, PA. Also surviving her are her nephews Thomas, Michael and Nicholas Kelly, and her nieces Alexis and Amelia Thompson, as well as her brother in law Timmy Ritter and her mother in law Judith Ritter, both of FL. She was predeceased by her father in law John Ritter and her beloved grandparents Nanny & Popoo, Frank and Margaret Laricchia. Funeral services will begin at 9am on Tuesday October 20, 2015 at Norman Dean Home for Services 16 Righter Ave Denville, NJ 07834 and then going to St. Christopher's Church in Parsippany for a 10am Liturgy of Christian Burial Mass. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Sunday from 2-5pm and on Monday from 2-4 & 7-9pm. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in her memory to: Special Olympics of NJ 1 Eunice Kennedy Shriver Lawrenceville, NJ 08648.