Obituary of Mary A. Nixon

Beloved wife and mother, Mary Agnes Nixon (nee Wendelken), 98, passed away peacefully at home in Freehold, New Jersey on February 7, 2023. Mary was born on May14, 1924 in Lynbrook (Long Island), N.Y., the daughter of Charles Ludwig Wendelken and Mary Agnes Wendelken (nee Healy).

Mary’s faith, family, and friends were at the center of her world. Nothing meant more to her than being with the people she loved.

Mary attended Notre Dame Academy High School in Manhattan and Manhattanville College, both on full scholarship.

Mary was introduced to her future husband, Charles by a mutual friend prior to him serving our country in World War II. Mary worked for Allied Chemical and JP Morgan while Charles was serving in World War II. When Charles returned to civilian life, Mary and Charles reconnected and later married on November 10, 1946.

After getting married, Mary and Charles lived in New York City for a short time before moving to New Jersey and eventually settling in Glen Rock in 1958. All six of their children graduated from Glen Rock High School. They later also lived in Mahwah, Oakland, and Freehold (all in NJ). Mary was always actively guiding and teaching her children to bring out the best in them.

Mary was known for her wonderful baking and cooking. While the children were young Mary would be baking something every day, prompting neighbors to say “I wonder what Mary is baking today “as they could smell the aromas coming from her kitchen.

In 1968 Mary joined the business world putting her many talents to work. First going to work for the owner of a media group of five newspapers (including The Ridgewood News) and a auto racing publication (Speed Sports). Mary quickly proved what an asset she was, becoming Controller and being appointed to the board of directors of the media group, overseeing the whole operation. In 1982 when the business was sold Mary decided to go to work for RD Hunter & Company (Paramus, NJ), a CPA firm. Mary was personally hired by the founding partner, Mr. Robert D. Hunter, to become Financial Administrator. RD Hunter & Company was the second largest CPA firm in New Jersey at one point while Mary was there. Mary retired in 1997. Mary was loved and admired by everyone she worked with.

Mary was a devout Catholic, and served with her husband Charles as Eucharistic Ministers at there local parishes (Glen Rock, Mahwah, and Freehold, New Jersey) for over 40 years. Mary loved entertaining, she was happiest when surrounded by family and friends, particularly when celebrating special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and holidays.

Mary was predeceased by her loving husband Charles, her parents Charles and Mary, and her eight brothers and a sister. Mary is survived by her six children, Carol, Jane, Charles Jr., Paul, Clare, and Christopher; eight grandchildren; and thirteen great grandchildren.

All arrangements were private under the direction of Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township.  Interment was with her husband in Christ the King Cemetery, 980 Huron Road, Franklin Lakes.  For those who wish to honor Mary’s memory, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or HERE.  For information or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.