Mary Nelan, 90, of Spring Lake Heights passed away peacefully at home with her loving family by her side on January 23, 2023.

Mary was born in Jersey City before moving to Spring Lake Heights in 1970.  Mary received her nursing degree from Seton Hall University and started her nursing career at Jersey City Medical Center.  She later worked for the State of New Jersey Department of Human Services as a nursing home inspector for over 21 years. 

Mary was an avid reader and enjoyed knitting and baking.  Mary loved animals and, except for the past few years, she always had a dog by her side and they were always named Princess. Mary also liked to travel and her favorite destination was Ireland to visit family that lived there. 

Mary was a long-time parishioner of St Catharine’s Church and served as a Eucharistic minister for many years.  

Mary was predeceased by her parents, Patrick and Catherine Nelan and by her brothers Peter Nelan and John Nelan and her sister, Nora Slowinski.  She is survived by her brother Patrick Nelan and sister, Catherine Pluchino as well as her brother in law, Anthony Pluchino and sisters-in law, Maria Nelan, Elizabeth (Betty) Nelan, Elizabeth (Liz) Nelan and 11 nieces and nephews.

Visitation for friends and family  Thursday, January 26, 2023 from 4-8 pm at the O’Brien Funeral Home, 2028 Hwy 35 at New Bedford Rd., Wall. Funeral Mass 10:30 Friday at St. Margaret’s Church corner of 3rd & Ludlow Aves. Spring Lake, burial to follow in St. Catharine Cemetery, Wall. For more information or to send condolences please visit www.obrienfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mary’s name to Guiding Eyes for the Blind.