Mary Farley

Mary Farley, age 59, passed away Monday, May 26, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was surrounded by love, laughter, nostalgic stories, comforting smiles, and her cherished family and amazing friends.

To describe Mary is to speak of grace, joy, and the purest form of kindness. Her life was a quiet testament to compassion, humility, and unwavering love for others. She was also the life of the party wherever she went and a genuine ray of sunlight. Mary loved sunbathing, baking, cooking, traveling, puzzles, and a good cocktail, especially outdoors while sitting on a porch or in the backyard with friends and family. She simply made the world better.

Mary was born in Morristown, New Jersey, and raised in Ridgewood, New Jersey. She spent her days nurturing family, friendships, and community with many laughs and fun shenanigans along the way. Mary’s home was a haven of warmth and laughter with her parents and four brothers. She lived with empathy and devout Catholic faith, and loved unconditionally.

After graduating from William Paterson University with a degree in communications, Mary built a 35-year career as an insurance agent at Amica Mutual Insurance Company, where she was known for her tireless dedication and strong work ethic. More importantly, Mary made lasting and precious friendships with her colleagues.

Mary is survived by her loving partner of 26 years, Thomas Shortway, and his children, Sara Wachter (Adam) and Tommy Shortway (Lisa). She was a beloved Nani to five special grandchildren she absolutely adored: Shane Wachter, Jenna Wachter, Emily Shortway, Mia Shortway, and Sophie Shortway. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, William Martin Farley and Helen (nee Keohane), and her older brother, Billy. Mary, the youngest in her family, leaves behind three adoring brothers, Andrew Farley (Beverly), Tony Farley (Brigid), and Peter Farley (Susan), as well as many treasured nieces and nephews and the extended Shortway family, who will miss her so much. 

They say friends are the family we choose. Mary also leaves behind a treasured circle of lifelong friends—true soulmates in friendship—who walked through decades of memories, mischief, and milestones by her side. To know Mary was to love her, and her vibrant spirit, open heart, and radiant smile will live on in all who were lucky enough to share in her life. 

Mary’s life will be celebrated at a memorial mass on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Church of Nativity, 315 Prospect Street, Midland Park, New Jersey, 07432. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that acts of kindness be performed in Mary’s honor, or please donate to Real Dog Rescue, 818 Wyckoff Ave, Mahwah, New Jersey 07430, in memory of Mary and her beloved cat, Goose.

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