Carolyn (O'Grady) Dierling

Carolyn (O'Grady) Dierling, Whiting, N.J., passed on March 26, 2026, at the age of 84.

Born in Jersey City on February 19, 1942, to William and Lucille Dierling, Carolyn lived with her family in Hoboken, N.J., until 1958, when they moved to Lake Stockholm, N.J., and a few years later, she started her own family there.

In 1974, they moved to Boonton, where she resided until retirement. Upon retirement, she first moved to Lafayette, and then settled in her final home in Whiting, N.J.

She was a spirited, witty, sassy, fun, hardworking, fiercely independent woman who could always make you laugh. She was always ready and helped anyone who needed it. She loved traveling; the American West was one of her favorite places to visit, and she traveled there many times.

Gardening was also a passion of hers. Anywhere she lived, she made a garden oasis for herself and the birds. You could find her on a nice day in her garden nook, reading a book. Her other interests were knitting, garage-saleing, going to the beach, and, of course, being with her family.

She was predeceased by her parents, William and Lucille Dierling, her sister Janet Beshada, and her brother Bill Dierling.

She is survived by her sister Pat DeVincent and husband Ed of Wantage; her sons Jim O’Grady and wife Dawn of Stockton, and Michael O’Grady of Boonton N.J.; granddaughters Kelly O’Grady of Colorado, Erin Cupo and husband Steven of Somerville, Kaylee O’Grady of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Leah O’Grady of Saint George, Utah. Carolyn also has many nieces and nephews and their families.

There will be a Celebration of Carolyn's Life on May 3, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the firehouse at 2 Old Denville Road, Boonton Township.