Obituary of Marilyn Brett

Marilyn Brett, 93, of Manalapan passed away at home on Thursday, January 8, 2026.  She was born in Newark, raised in North Arlington, and had lived in Manalapan and Toms River before returning to Manalapan in 2020.  Marilyn worked as an administrative assistant for IBM in their Newark, Cranford and White Plains offices for over 26 years before retiring in 1992.  A loyal Giants fan, she enjoyed the benefits of being a season ticket holder.  Marilyn loved spending time in the kitchen baking and cooking, and especially enjoyed hosting Sunday meals.  She found great joy in tending to her garden and indoor plants.  A very active member of the Lake Ridge community, Marilyn had served as secretary, treasurer and president over the years.   She was a member of the Red Hat Society, fully embracing the organization's philosophy of fun, friendship, and living life to the fullest.

Marilyn was predeceased by her husband, Edward Brett; sister, Lorraine MacMillan; and sister-in-law, Mildred Helies.  She is survived by her daughter, Sharron Szelest and her husband, Dr. Gregory Szelest; grandchildren, Keith Barlow and his wife, Gina, Dawn DeLuca and her husband, Scott, and Alexander Szelest and his wife, Nicole; nine great grandchildren, James, William, Evelyn Claire, Sloane, Morgan, Sam, Connor and Maxwell; brother, Harold “Buddy” Helies; brother-in-law, Kenneth MacMillan; and nephew, Michael Helies. 

Visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Sunday, January 11, 2026 from 2:00 to 6:00 PM.  Relatives and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home at 9:30 AM for the procession to her 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold Township on Monday, January 12, 2026.  Entombment will follow in St. Mary of the Lake Cemetery, One Honey Locust Drive, Lakewood 08701.  For those who desire, memorial contributions in Marilyn’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.  For information, directions or to leave condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com