Mary Ketterer

Mary Ketterer, a long-time resident of Wayne, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 20, 2025. She lived a blessed and remarkable life that spanned 101 years.

The third-born of Henry and Lillian (Kick) Clark, Mary was born in Passaic and raised in Nutley, where she graduated with Nutley High School’s Class of 1941. She continued her education at Newark Teachers College (now Kean University), earning her B.A. in education before going on to teach kindergarten at Jefferson Elementary School in Wallington for several years.

While attending college, Mary worked part-time for a local dentist. One day, a familiar face from high school came in for dental work—a young man named Albert “Al” Ketterer. Al must have had a winning smile, because the two quickly hit it off. They dated for several years, including during Al’s service in the U.S. Army. Upon his return to civilian life, they exchanged wedding vows before God, family, and friends at a church in Mary’s hometown of Nutley. After a reception at the former Marlboro Company in Montclair, they honeymooned down the Jersey Shore.

Because Al had one more semester to complete at Syracuse University, the couple’s first home was an apartment in Syracuse, NY. They later moved to a one-bedroom apartment in the Styertowne section of Clifton, where their first three children—Kathy, David, and Doug—were born. With the three children sharing the only bedroom and Mary and Al sleeping in the living room every night, it became clear that more space was needed. In 1954, they purchased a home in the Packanack Lake section of Wayne, and Mary lovingly called that house home for the rest of her life.

Once in Packanack, four more children—Paul, Susan, Victoria, and Nancy—were welcomed into the family. Mary devoted herself to caring for her home and raising her children. In later years, once her children reached a level of independence, she joined the family business, Clark Transmission Company in Fairfield, working as a bookkeeper. Remarkably, Mary worked remotely long before remote work became commonplace.

Mary was a woman of many interests. Her home featured both a baby grand piano and a harp, and no one could make those instruments sing quite like she could. She loved reading—especially detective novels by Agatha Christie and suspense stories by Mary Higgins Clark. Gardening was another passion she shared with Al, and their gardens were a joy to behold. A talented, self-taught seamstress, Mary passed her skills on to her daughters, sewing all their matching Christmas and Easter dresses, as well as their school clothes, for many years—at least until homemade clothing became less “cool.” She also knitted and crocheted. After Al retired, the couple traveled extensively for over a decade, visiting international destinations throughout Western Europe.

Faith and family were the true centerpieces of Mary’s life. When she and Al moved to Packanack Lake, the area was rapidly becoming a year-round community. Recognizing the growing need, the Catholic Archdiocese established Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, where Mary and Al became founding parishioners. It was there that they raised their children in faith. Mary also created a warm, welcoming home—a place of comfort at the end of every school day or workday. She was a steady, calming presence and a gifted cook and baker.

During her children’s early years, a Sunday afternoon tea tradition gradually took root. After the children were grown and out of the house, the tradition continued weekly—only now on Thursdays. Visitors could always count on a homemade crimpit, scone, or other baked treat lovingly prepared by Mary to accompany a cup of tea and cherished family time. She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, sharing with them the joys she knew best: playing piano, sewing, cooking, and always extending an open invitation to tea night. As the family grew, birthday parties often became outdoor picnics at Ringwood Manor to accommodate everyone.

Mary was a dear soul—kind, gentle, and full of grace. Everything she did was touched with her desire to make others happy. Her family is deeply grateful for the many years they were blessed with her love and influence. They rejoice in knowing she is reunited with her beloved husband, Al, and look forward to seeing her again.

Mary was the beloved wife of Albert, to whom she was married for 58 years until his passing in 2007. She was the most loving mother of: Kathleen Bogert and husband John of Wayne; David Ketterer and wife Jeanne of Chapel Hill, NC; Douglas Ketterer and wife Julann of Lincoln Park; the late Paul Ketterer (2008); the late Susan Ketterer (2023); Victoria Witterschein and husband James of Wayne; and Nancy Cohen and husband Scott of Cedar Grove. She was the cherished grandmother of: Jack and companion Courtney, Steven, Stephanie and husband Mark, Robert and wife Kerry, Matthew and wife Jaclyn, Daniel and wife Brianne, Melissa and husband Shawn, Mark, Mary Caitlin and husband Brian, and Anneliese and husband Tom. She was the adoring great-grandmother of: Nicholas, Noah, Dorothy, Miles, Wrenly, Aiden, Laura Rose, and Audrey. She was the dear sister of the late Henry Clark and the late Gerald Clark, and a beloved aunt to numerous nieces and nephews.

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In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Mary’s name are asked to consider:

Wayne Township Memorial First Aid Squad

PO Box 2004

Wayne, NJ 07474