In Memoriam: Former Longtime Fair Havenite, Mary Lyn Cady-Bilow, 89

Former longtime Fair Havenite, mom, wife, seamstress, actress, singer and adventurer, Mary Lyn Cady-Bilow, passed away peacefully in the company of her family on March 20. She was 89.

“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 community theater for many years, where she performed in numerous plays and musicals, created costumes, directed productions, and served on its Board of Directors.

“Mary Lyn was well-known as a longtime, talented seamstress at The Angelic Tiger in Rumson and independently. She designed and sewed 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 also played the piano and had 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 for miles in the sea.

“For more than 30 years, she and her husband, Lud, spent winter months in Saint Maarten, surrounded by dear friends from other parts of the country and around the world. It was their happy place …
“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. She was one of a kind.”
Loved ones of Mary Lyn Cady-Bilow in her obituary

More about Mary Lyn …

Born on June 8, 1936 in Plainfield, Mary Lyn lived most of her life in Fair Haven and Long Branch. She studied at Mount Saint Mary’s High School in New Jersey and continued her education at Marymount College in Arlington, VA.

The longtime Fair Havenite had four children with her former husband, Charles Cady, who all graduated from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School: Leslie in ’76, Jeanine (Cumisky), Jeff in ’80 and Jim in ’85.

“She was always present, wearing her full purple garb, cheering at the RFH Football games in the 1980’s,” Jim reminisced.

The mom of four, their biggest cheerleader, later married Ludwig C. Bilow III, of Bilow Liquors in Red Bank, for 32 years.

Mary Lyn was predeceased by: her parents, George and Anne (Ripski) Feaster; her brother, Robert D. Feaster; her former husband, Charles B. Cady; her beloved husband, 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; and James Cady and his wife, Stephanie, of Fair Haven.

She is also survived by her grandchildren, who 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; Jennifer Alpaugh and her husband, Joseph, of Middletown; and Alex, Christian, and Abigail Cady, of Fair Haven.

Mary Lyn’s legacy also continues through her much-loved great-grandchildren: Lily and Callie Alpaugh, and Monroe Morgan Graves.

She is also survived by her step-children and grandchildren: her stepson, Dr. Bruce Bilow, of Little Silver; her stepdaughter, Susan Bailey, of Saint Augustine, FL; and her step-grandchildren Michael, Jason Bilow and Ella Bilow, Annie Penta, and Barbara Bailey.

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.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home