Mary Jane Faver

Mary Jane Faver, of Whiting, NJ, died peacefully on May 23, 2025. She was surrounded by her children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. She died one month short of her 91st birthday.

Mary Jane was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey and was raised there by her loving parents, Frank and Viola (Luxich) McLaughlin. She grew up alongside her siblings, Robert and Suzanne, both of whom predeceased her. She graduated from St. Mary’s High School, Elizabeth, (Class of 1952) and remained involved in alumni activities for many years as a member of ‘The Belles of St. Mary’s.’

In 1955, she married her beloved husband, Ed. They were each other’s worlds. Mary Jane and Ed built a legacy rooted in love, faith, and family—a legacy that continues through their children: Ed (Mary Agnes), Nancy (Michael), Janice (Paul), and Teresa. Her great delight in the later years of her life has been her grandchildren: Paul (Alison), Timothy, Tyler, Anthony (Meghan), Grace, & Faith and her great-grandchildren, Amelia and PJ. She leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, her dear sister-in-law Blanche McLaughlin, and cousins, all of whom she held close to her heart.

Mary Jane was an active member of her community. While her children were young, she served as PTA president for her daughters’ school and volunteered regularly at her parish, St. Mary of the Assumption, Elizabeth. She particularly enjoyed working in the parish food pantry and serving both as a member of the Rosary Society and as a Eucharistic Minister. Although it has been many years since she was an active part of St. Mary's, the parish still considers her 'a faithful parishioner'. After moving to Whiting, Mary Jane volunteered at St. Barnabas Church, Bayville.

When Ed died in 1994, after 38 years of marriage, Mary Jane looked outward. She obtained her driver’s license at age 60, continued to work in Central Supply at Trinitas Hospital, and traveled the world. She made multiple visits to the Holy Land, Rome, and her beloved Ireland. 

Throughout her life, Mary Jane was an avid reader, passing this enthusiasm on to all four of her children. She was a skilled seamstress. Her daughters have fond memories of the ‘bespoke’ dresses their mother made for them. Each Halloween, her grandchildren could depend upon a handmade costume from Nanny.

Mary Jane could talk to anyone about anything for any length of time. During one of her trips to Ireland, she slipped away from her tour group and ended up in a small pub, alone. She soon found herself chatted up by two local gentlemen and they spent a quiet afternoon buying each other pints and swapping stories. It was the highlight of the trip. We can only imagine that she is now at the Pearly Gates, chewing the ear off St. Peter.

No one who ever sat at Mary Jane’s table came away hungry. With this in mind, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a food bank local to you.