Obituary: Mary Jane Quinn, of Colts Neck: Former Red Bank Teacher; Known for Unstoppable Energy and Optimism

Mary Jane, “Midge” Quinn, of Colts Neck, passed away peacefully on Friday surrounded by her five children. Born and raised in St. Albans, Queens, she moved with her husband Joe to Middletown in 1955 and settled in Colts Neck in 1959. Midge attended the Mary Louis Academy, Queens and graduated with a B.A. in English from the College of St. Elizabeth, Convent Station, New Jersey, where she was the editor of the college yearbook. She later obtained her Master’s Degree in Education from Monmouth College while working full time and raising her family. She was a teacher of disabled children in the Red Bank Primary School from 1975 until 1984 when she became a Learning Disabilities Teacher Consultant in South River until her retirement in 2001. She had a true passion for educating and helping others, especially children.

Midge was small in stature, but had an amazing presence that demanded to be noticed. She had boundless energy and dauntless optimism. She loved to instigate lively discussions and arguments on current events and politics. She was fiercely protective of her family and raised her kids with an iron fist inside of a velvet glove. She loved being around people and had a keen interest in listening to others tell their stories. She had an unbelievable talent for coaxing the most interesting life stories out of strangers that she met. A lifelong water enthusiast, Midge loved swimming in her beloved lake, barging and going to the beach. She was an avid reader and a true and loyal friend. She was a devout Catholic and was a 40 plus year active parishioner of St. Mary’s Church, Colts Neck. She showed love and generosity to everyone who knew her.

Midge was predeceased by her parents, Henry and Mary Woods and her beloved husband of 50 years, Joseph J. Quinn. Surviving are her children and their spouses Deirdre Anderson, Albuquerque, Christopher and Susan Quinn, Middletown, Cathleen Mumford, Colts Neck, Beth and Ed Martin, Long Branch and David and Helen Quinn, Tampa. She is also survived by ten dear grandchildren and their spouses, Miles, Quinn, Kelly, Billy, Sean and Rachel, Briana, Edward and Chelsea, Torrie and Anthony, Abby and Jodye and Michael, and two precious great grandchildren, Trey and Olivia. In addition she is survived by her dear sister in law and niece, Joanne Quinn and Miranda Cook.

There will be a visitation at St. Mary’ Church, Phalanx Road, Colts Neck, on Monday September 29 from 7:00 PM until 9:00 PM. Funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday at 10:00 AM in the Church, and burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Middletown. Donations in her memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. All funeral arrangements are under the direction of John F. Pfleger Funeral Home.

For more information, to send condolences or for directions, please visit www.pflegerfh.com.