Mary J. Birkhofer

Mary J. Birkhofer, a resident of Greenbrier Woodlands, Toms River, NJ and parishioner of St. Luke’s RC Church, died after a brief illness, on Saturday, December 22, 2012. She was 90 years of age. She was the devoted wife of 57 years to her beloved husband Martin H. Birkhofer, who pre-ceded her in death just 3 months earlier, in September. Born May 30, 1922 to Mary Ellen and Matthew Rahl, she spent her youth and early adulthood in New York City until her marriage to Martin in 1955. The couple lived for 36 years in New Milford, N.J. where they raised their three children. Mary was a tireless homemaker and devoted mother, always putting the needs of her family ahead of her own. Her efforts and those of her husband enabled higher education and successful careers for each of her children. In 1994, the couple moved to Toms River where they resided up until their deaths. Mrs. Birkhofer is survived by her son, and daughter-in-law Martin and Colleen Birkhofer of Pennington, NJ her daughter and son-in-law Mary and Louis Warchot of McLean, VA and her son John of Lawrenceville, NJ along with her six grandchildren Christopher, Matthew, Gregory and Michael Birkhofer and Catherine and Caroline Warchot. She was sadly pre-ceded in death by her adoring granddaughter Elizabeth Warchot. She will be remembered as a loving, devoted mother and grandmother and a good friend. Her bright, intelligent eyes, strong opinions, engaging smile and easy laughter will be missed greatly by all who knew her. Those wishing to pay their respects to Mrs. Birkhofer and her family may do so at the D’Elia Funeral Home in Lakewood, NJ on Friday, December 28, 2012 from 2P.M. until 5 P.M. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Luke’s Church in Toms River on Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 9:00AM followed by interment at George Washington Memorial Park in Paramus, NJ.