Mary Irene Read

Mary Irene Read 94 of Top of The World, Clearwater, FL and formerly of Middletown, NJ passed away on Monday, March 18, 2013. Mary is survived by her nine wonderful children. They are Cheryl Ryan, Terry Walsh, Wayne Read, Susan Robertson, Karen Odell, Mary Balkan, Herb Read, Barbara Read and Judy Read.

Mary was born in Bayonne, New Jersey in 1919 to Clara and Charles Streck to whom she was devoted. She was a “Daddy’s Girl” and her only sister Helen was a “Mommy’s” girl. She also had a brother Charles.

Mary’s family moved quite a bit because Mary had asthma. When told, about her serious condition her father immediately sought a healthy environment and found it in Franklin, NJ and later in Sparta, NJ.

Mom’s favorite earliest memory was her Studebaker convertible for which she paid $18.00. Mary and Helen worked as waitresses when they were teens at the Everest House in Sparta. The money earned enabled the girls to engage in horseback riding and tennis. Life was good. Mary graduated from Franklin high and then worked at Electric Stopnut.

Mary married Ernie Terminello when she was 26 years old. She became a widow at age 29 while seven months pregnant. Her daughter was born two months later. They then moved to the Bronx, NY. She then moved with her daughter to a three story house in Elizabeth, NJ. Her mother and father moved in to help her with her daughter.

In 1952 her next major step was to marry Herbert Read a widower with three children Judy, Barbara and Herb. Mary and Herbert then had an additional five more children and a family of eleven was created. Christmas time every year was incredible. The holidays were amazing, and a two week vacation on the Jersey shores became an exciting ritual.

Mary and Herb then moved their family to Middletown, NJ. Herb was in Real Estate and he purchased a gorgeous home in the beautiful Oak Hill area.

Herb owned Herb Read Associates and Mary became a “Star Saleswoman.”

Mary was constantly voted Employee of the Month but there was a rumor that she was sleeping with the boss.

Mary was very supportive to her daughters and especially to her sons and sons-in-law.

Mary’s love of life and positive attitude were only topped by her keen sense of humor. She wanted us all to love one another and be happy during life. She would also want us to laugh and be joyful today. Mary after all, is dancing in Heaven as we speak.