Grace P. Ajhar

Grace P. Ajhar, 95, of Lopatcong Township, died in her home on March 26, 2026, surrounded by her family.  She was born on May 16, 1930, to Frank J. and Mary Ann (Canale) Piazza in Stewartsville.

She is survived by her husband Edward Ajhar.  They were married on November 26, 1949, and recently celebrated their 76th wedding anniversary.  She is also survived by her three children, Janelle, Linda, and Edward and his wife Mercedes.

Grace worked as a secretary for the Town of Phillipsburg Tax Office from 1947–1950.  She co-owned Steer-Rite Meats with her husband from 1964 to 1986, where she prepared deli specialties and managed the bookkeeping.  She was an active, life-long member of St. Philip and St. James Catholic Church, where she and her husband committed to weekly Adoration of the Holy Eucharist for 15 years.  She was a past member of the Catholic Daughters of the Americas, the Phillipsburg High School Band Boosters, and the Over 50s Club.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Concetta Alese (and husband Thomas), Vanzie Esposito (and husband Joseph), and Pearl Torre (and husband George); and brothers Christopher (and wife Jean), Michael (and wife Mildred), Samuel, and Fred (and wife Eva).  She is also survived by her sister-in-law Mary Piazza (wife of Samuel).

Visitation will be held Monday, March 30, 2026, from 6 to 8 pm at Finegan Funeral Home, 302 Heckman St, Phillipsburg, NJ.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 31, 10 am at St. Philip and St. James Church, 430 S. Main St. Phillipsburg, NJ. The interment will follow at St. Philip and St. James Cemetery in Greenwich Township, NJ.