Ramsey Mom’s Courage Shines Through ALS Battle While Working at Local Market

Kristen W. Kunz, 55, of Ramsey, New Jersey, died on September 11, 2026, ending a three‑year struggle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis—more commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The news came as a quiet shock to friends, family, and the neighborhood that had grown to admire her quiet strength.

Born and raised in nearby Midland Park, Kristen spent her childhood summers on Long Island, soaking up a love for the outdoors and a fierce work ethic. As an adult she carved out a diverse corporate résumé, holding positions at Smith Barney, Prime Charter Ltd., Nine West, and Fuji Hunt. Those roles, ranging from finance to retail, gave her a broad skill set and a reputation for getting things done.

When the ALS diagnosis arrived, many assumed she’d retreat from the workforce entirely. Instead, Kristen chose a different path—one that would become a testament to her determination. She started working part‑time at Steve’s Market, the local grocery store on Main Street in Ramsey. Clocking in each morning, she greeted customers with a smile, stocked shelves, and even helped bag groceries, all while navigating the progressive muscle weakness that ALS brings.

“She never missed a shift unless she truly couldn’t,” a co‑worker recalled, chuckling softly. “Even on the tougher days, she’d say ‘just one more hour,’ and we’d all feel that extra boost of energy.” Those moments of everyday heroism, though modest, painted a vivid picture of a woman refusing to be defined solely by her illness.

ALS, a relentless neurodegenerative disorder, attacks the nerves that control voluntary muscles, eventually leading to paralysis and respiratory failure. There is currently no cure, and treatment focuses on slowing progression and easing symptoms. For Kristen, the disease took a slow, relentless toll, but she faced it with the same steady resolve she’d shown in boardrooms and on store aisles alike.

Beyond her professional life, Kristen was a devoted mother, a caring sister, and an avid garden enthusiast who loved planting marigolds each spring. Neighbors remember her laughter echoing down the cul‑de‑sacs, her occasional impromptu karaoke sessions, and the way she always had a fresh batch of cookies for the kids on her street.

Her family—husband Michael, children Emma (10) and Lucas (7), and her parents—asked for privacy during this difficult time, but they also wanted to share her story as a reminder that perseverance can shine even in the darkest moments.

Kristen’s legacy lives on in the aisles of Steve’s Market, where the staff now keep a small plaque in her memory, and in the hearts of those she touched daily. As the community gathers to celebrate her life, they’ll remember not just the struggle, but the quiet, unstoppable spirit that defined her.