Mary Lyn Cady-Bilow

Mary Lyn Cady-Bilow, born on June 8, 1936, in Plainfield, New Jersey, passed away peacefully, on March 20, 2026 in the company of her family. She lived most of her life in Fair Haven and Long Branch, NJ. She was 89 years old.

Mary Lyn attended Mount Saint Mary's High School in New Jersey and continued her education at Marymount College in Arlington, Virginia. With her characteristic humor and charm, she often quipped that she majored in "extracurricular activities." She had fun recounting memories from her school years, including receiving medals of achievement presented by Robert F. Kennedy.

Mary Lyn's love for the theatrical arts, music, and fashion were important aspects of her life. She was an active member of the Monmouth Players for many years, where she performed in numerous plays and musicals, created costumes, directed productions, and served on the Board of Directors.

A talented seamstress, Mary Lyn constructed beautiful garments for herself, her children, and her clients-including creating wedding gowns and dresses for entire bridal parties. Even into her later years, she was known for her sense of style, donning coordinated outfits and always wearing her signature hats, accompanied by a warm smile.

Mary Lyn played the piano and possessed a beautiful soprano voice. She enriched many church services over the years as a member of the choir at Saint Michael's Church in Long Branch. She was also known to sing impromptu at family gatherings and special events, sharing her heartfelt gift with those around her.

An avid ocean swimmer and enthusiastic golfer, Mary Lyn enjoyed the camaraderie of friends on the golf course and treasured time spent swimming miles in the sea.

For over thirty years, she and her husband, Lud, spent winter months in Sint Maarten, surrounded by dear friends from other parts of the country and around the world. It was their happy place.

Mary Lyn was predeceased by her parents, George and Anne (Ripski) Feaster; her brother, Robert D. Feaster; her former husband, Charles B. Cady, with whom she shared four children; her beloved husband of 32 years, Ludwig C. Bilow III; and her stepson, Ludwig C. Bilow IV.

Mary Lyn is survived by her children: Leslie Cady of Del Mar, CA; Jeanine Cumiskey and her husband, Tom, of Hendersonville, TN; Charles (Jeffrey) Cady and his wife, Chrys, of Red Bank, NJ; and James Cady and his wife, Stephanie, of Fair Haven, NJ.

Her grandchildren hold her memory close to their hearts: Rachel (Cumiskey) Graves and her husband, Cole, of Nashville, TN; Morgan Cumiskey of Nashville, TN; CJ Cady and his wife, Maria, of Middletown, NJ; Jennifer Alpaugh and her husband, Joseph, of Middletown, NJ; Alex Cady; Christian Cady; and Abigail Cady of Fair Haven, NJ. Mary Lyn's legacy continues through her loved great-grandchildren: Lily Alpaugh, Callie Alpaugh, and Monroe Morgan Graves.

Mary Lyn is also survived by her stepson, Dr. Bruce Bilow of Little Silver, NJ and stepdaughter Susan Bailey of Saint Augustine, FL.Mary Lyn is additionally survived by her step grandchildren Michael Bilow, Jason Bilow, Ella Bilow, Annie Penta, and Barbara Bailey.

May the memory of Mary Lyn's vibrant spirit bring comfort to all who knew and loved her, and serve as a celebration of a life filled with generosity, humor, love of family and friends, and a lasting zest for life's many joys.

The family will be holding a private ceremony and remembrance of her life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary Lyn's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Thompson Memorial Home of Red Bank, NJ has been entrusted with the arrangements.