Obituaries

Mary Jane Sauer passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026, surrounded by her loving daughters.

Born on April 25, 1941, in Jersey City, New Jersey, Mary Jane was the daughter of Mary Jane and Richard Brennan. She spent her early years in Jersey City before moving to Keansburg. She was a proud graduate of Red Bank Catholic High School, Class of 1959, and remained a lifelong Casey.

In 1963, she married Douglas Sauer, and together they made their home in Fair Haven, where they raised their two daughters. In 1989, the family moved to Lincroft.  Mary Jane returned to Fair Haven in 2014; a place she always considered home.

Mary Jane began her career as a medical professional, working many years assisting in doctors’ offices. Later in her career, she transitioned to administration in an asset management firm, often saying, “It was the best job I ever had.” She brought dedication, warmth, and a strong work ethic to everything she did.

Mary Jane was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. 

Her life was defined by her love of family, her quiet strength, and the deep connections she made with those around her. She had a way of making everyone feel loved, and she never ended a visit without saying, “I love you more.” 

She was predeceased by her husband, Douglas Sauer, and her parents, Richard and Mary Jane Brennan.  She is survived by her daughters, Laurette Vilardi (Ronald, Jr.) and Sandra Papa (Joseph); her cherished grandchildren, Ronald (Shea) Vilardi III, Timothy (Julia) Vilardi, Daniel Vilardi (Darianne Mastricola, fiancée), Mary Vilardi, Isabelle Papa and Angelo Papa; her great-grandchildren Ava Vilardi and James Vilardi; her sister, Susan (Kevin) McDermott.  She is also survived by a large extended family that she loved fiercely,

Visitation will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ 07701.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 11:00 AM at the Church of the Nativity, 180 Ridge Rd, Fair Haven, NJ 07704. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Middletown, NJ.