Mary Brophy

Mary Brophy, age 72, of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 30, 2025.

Born on June 10, 1953, Mary was one of eight children of Robert and Leona Mulvihill. She grew up in Clifton and later Wayne, New Jersey, and graduated from DePaul Catholic High School, where she excelled at basketball and was honored as “Most Athletic” in her graduating class.

On December 14, 1974, Mary married her loving husband, Kevin Brophy, whom she met while vacationing in Manasquan. Together, they began their life in Clifton, where they were blessed with three sons: Daniel, Thomas, and Matthew. They later settled in Wayne before coming full circle to retire in Manasquan.

Mary was outgoing, kind, and selfless, always putting the needs of others before her own. She found the perfect outlet for her boundless compassion in a nursing career, working at various medical facilities over the years and helping countless individuals through both routine and serious medical challenges.

Mary’s love of athletics fit perfectly in a household full of boys. She loved spending time with her sons, supporting them in their sports, helping them practice, and cheering them on from the sidelines. She taught them to see every setback as another opportunity, never to blame others or feel sorry for themselves. A talented athlete herself, she played softball well into adulthood, was often seen shooting hoops, and later took up and excelled at pickleball. She also enjoyed the beach, gardening, cooking, crossword puzzles, and watching game shows—especially Jeopardy!

Mary was a dear friend to many and a true social butterfly, making friends from all walks of life and keeping in touch through countless phone calls. She offered wise counsel, hosted many gatherings, and was always ready for good conversation, priding herself on being able to talk to anyone about anything. Her home was always filled with warmth and conversation, with an open door and an open heart for anyone who needed a friend.

Determined and resilient, Mary was known for her perseverance in every aspect of life—at work, at home, and in her personal pursuits. She approached any problem with positivity, a solution-oriented mindset, and a smile on her face.

Above all, Mary was devoted to her family. She loved her parents and siblings deeply and treasured her role as grandmother to her five grandchildren. She will be remembered as a wonderful sister, mother, grandmother, and friend. Gone too soon, she leaves behind a garden of beautiful memories, watered by a million tears, and will never be forgotten by those who knew her.

Mary was predeceased by her husband, Kevin Brophy, in 2021; her mother, Leona Mulvihill, in 2009; her father, Robert Mulvihill, in 2016; her sister, Diane Wilson, in 2019; and her brother, Joseph Mulvihill, in 2021. She is survived by her three children: Daniel and his wife Nancy Brophy; Thomas and his wife Kelly Brophy; and Matthew Brophy; her five grandchildren: Lia, Jack, Grace, Alexandra, and Kevin Brophy; her sisters Ellen (and her husband Tim Monahan), Christine (and her husband Dave Jablonski), Laura Iurato and brother-in-law Peter Wilson; and her brothers Dr. Robert Mulvihill (and his wife Rosanne) and Stephen Mulvihill (and his wife Susan).

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In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital