Mary Welstead, a cherished mother, grandparent, sister, cousin and friend passed away on the 30th of April, 2024 at Hackensack University Medical Center. Born MaryRuth Treger on December 29, 1952, she was affectionately known to many as MaryRuth, though she preferred to be called Mary.

Born to Albert and Mary (Blue) Treger, Mary grew up in Holmdel, NJ with her brothers Skip and Dave. She was a graduate of Red Bank Regional High School (1971) who loved singing in the choir and reading. She carried her love of music and books throughout life. After graduating high school Mary eventually worked in the Monmouth County Parks system where she stayed for many years until moving to the Monmouth County Freeholders where she stayed for the remainder of her career. She had wonderful memories and made life long friends at both. 

She married her husband Eddie Welstead in 1976 and they eventually settled in Shrewsbury, NJ where they lived for over 30 years and raised their daughter Caitlin. Although they moved in 2020 to Woodland Park, NJ to be closer to grandchildren, both of their hearts always remained in Shrewsbury. 

Mary's life was marked by a legacy of generosity, a gift she instilled in her child and grandchildren. She was extremely charitable and would help anyone in need; those she knew personally and even people she did not. She also had a great sense of humor and would laugh at herself, which if you knew her, seemed to be often. Mary was passionate about being environmentally friendly and always looked out for the "little guy" in any situation. She was an incredible baker who made wonderful desserts for all of her family's life events and continued this tradition with Elmo and train cakes for her grandchildren. Mary also enjoyed traveling, having gone to Italy with her daughter Caitlin, Ireland with Eddie and the kids, and most recently Morocco with a close friend. She had plans to travel to the Mediterranean this summer. Of all of these things though, her daughter and her grandchildren were her reason for living. She loved nothing more than to go out to dinner and drinks with Caitlin and her little family. 

Mary was predeceased by her husband of 43 years, Edward Welstead in 2022. They loved to drive each other crazy yet she missed him beyond measure since his passing. Also preceding her in death were her parents, Albert and Mary Treger and her brother Skipper Treger. 

Mary is survived by her daughter, Caitlin (Welstead) Malik and her son-in-law, Danish Malik. Her spirit will live on in her cherished grandchildren, Neema (5), Ava (3), and Alina Malik (8 weeks), who brought immense joy and fulfillment to her life. The memories of their grandmother's kindness and cookies will always remain in the stories they tell about her.

In addition, Mary is survived by her brother, David Treger, and his wife Nancy Treger. She also leaves behind many treasured cousins, nieces and nephews with whom she spent countless hours and were more like siblings and children to her.

As we mourn the unexpected loss of Mary, her family has closure knowing she is at peace even if they were not ready for her to be gone. It only seems fitting to share a quote about death she loved: 

"Thank God. I was tired of being the funniest person in the room"

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