Mary Adele Murray (nee McEachern), 81, of Whiting, NJ, passed away on Thursday, October 24, 2024, surrounded by her loving daughters. Her passing occurred on what would have been her 53rd wedding anniversary to her beloved husband, John "Jack" Murray, who predeceased her in April 2021. It was Jack's special way of calling her back home.

She is survived by her daughters, Kristine and her husband Eric Plent, and Denise and her husband Robert Molter; her grandchildren Kate, Nicole, Aidan, Shawn, and Matthew; her sisters Annabelle Murphy and Eleanor Cullen; her brother Alexander McEachern; her niece Maryann Gugliuzza, who was more like a younger sister; and her many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Mary and John McEachern and her two brothers, John and Raymond.

Mary was born and raised in Jersey City, New Jersey, a place that left an indelible mark on both her heart and her accent. Although always a Jersey girl, her family's roots were planted in the birthplace of her parents, Nova Scotia, Canada, where she spent many of her childhood summers visiting the family farm. After graduating from Snyder High School, she worked as a Statistical Analyst for American Export Lines, a job that afforded her the opportunity to travel extensively on their steamship lines. Mary's next career move was to the role of mother. It was a job for which she was perfectly tailored.

After living in North Arlington for over 30 years, she and Jack moved to Country Walk in Whiting where she resided for the past 18 years. At a time when most people slow down, Mary's second act was full and active. Throughout that time, she served on the Social Committee, planned the annual children's Christmas party, enjoyed countless trips, dinners, and parties, played Bocce ball (and one year was even a part of the championship team), and regularly met with friends to play cards and games. It was in this community that Mary made friendships as cherished as those from childhood.

Mary's friendships and above all else, her family, were what she held most dear. She was a true friend, the one to call and check in no matter what she was going through. She was also an amazing Mimi. She loved spending time with her grandchildren, playing countless games of Rummikub, shopping with the girls, and most especially, the annual family trips to Wildwood. But most of all, she was an extraordinary Mom. She was an example of motherhood her daughters could only strive to match. Her love for her girls was boundless, unconditional, and constant.

Mary was a person who embodied the expression, "beautiful inside and out." Although she was sweetness personified, her inner resolve and strength were her most admirable traits. Despite living with Rheumatoid Arthritis since the age of 3 and later battling cancer, she had a way of making her struggles seem effortless and never let them get in the way of leading a full life. She always had a smile on her lips, love in her heart, and, if it was four o'clock, a glass of white zin in her hand. The love and impact she had will live on in the hearts and memories of those who loved her.

The family will receive friends and family for a Memorial Service at Manchester Memorial Funeral Home, 28 Schoolhouse Road, Whiting, on Tuesday, October 29, from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. Memorial Mass will follow at 10:45 a.m. at the All Saints Chapel at St. Elizabeth Seton Church in Whiting. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.