Mary Lou Posten

Mary Lou Posten, age 79, of Ridgewood, passed away on April 10, 2023. Mary Lou was born in Middletown, NY to Dorothy and James Posten. Mary Lou is survived by her husband, Wayne Brewster; only child, Jennifer Posten Brewster; and Jennifer’s partner, Andrew Garrity.

She is also survived by her cherished NY relatives: sister, Dorothy, and brother-in-law, Anthony Licardi; niece, Mary, and nephew-in-law, Lou DeVliegher; great niece, Rose, and great nephew-in-law, Kyle Howe; nephew, Chris Licardi, and niece-in-law, Bonnie; great-niece, Janell, and great nephew-in-law, Rich Budd Jr; nephew, Jim Licardi, great-nieces, Antonia & Sophia, and great-nephew, Dominic. Through marriage, Mary Lou is also survived by many beloved relatives in WA (Murphys and Strongs), CA (Brewsters and Bordens), and NJ (Brewsters).

Mary Lou graduated from Middletown High School, then Orange Community College. Subsequently, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Rochester.

Mary Lou had a successful career as a chemist for Avon, in Suffern, NY. She worked in research and development, as well as other departments, for over 36 years. After retiring from Avon, her best friend, Anne Schafer, encouraged her to return to work; consequently, Mary Lou, a lifelong, devout Catholic, proceeded to assist in the office of the religious school at the Congregation Gesher Shalom (formerly JCC) in Fort Lee, NJ for over 10 years.
In addition to working, Mary Lou and her husband were also actively involved in volunteering. They donated their time and their labor to many projects for Rebuilding Together – Bergen County (RTBC), an organization that assists with “repairing homes, revitalizing communities, and rebuilding lives.” Not only did they provide help in North Jersey, but they also took numerous trips to New Orleans in order to rebuild houses impacted by Hurricane Katrina. Mary Lou was on the board of RTBC for 5 of the years she volunteered with them.

Ridgewood High School Jamboree, an organization that raises funds for need-based scholarships for RHS seniors, also knew Mary Lou and her husband as volunteers for over 20 years. As a volunteer, Mary Lou performed on stage, helped with the stage crew, and participated in alumni parent group numbers.

Mary Lou thrived when active; she enjoyed skiing, exercising, hiking, and doing yoga. She also loved the strong connections she made with friends through these activities. Mary Lou was also passionate about: vacationing in Cape Cod annually with family; taking care of her neighborhood cat, Baby Girl, (with the assistance of her lovely neighbors); working in her garden; attending church; solving the NY Times Crossword Puzzle; and enjoying a fine glass of wine.

On Thursday, 4/20, Visitation will be held at Feeney Funeral Home (232 Franklin Ave), in Ridgewood, from 3:00-7:00 PM. On Friday, 4/21, at 10:30 AM, a Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church (1 Passaic St.), in Ridgewood, where Mary Lou attended services since 1986.

The family welcomes memorial donations to Rebuilding Together North Jersey, in Mary Lou’s honor, as an expression of sympathy instead of flowers.