Mary R. Philbert

Mary Ruth (McDaniel) Philbert was born on March 25, 1957, in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to the late David McDaniel and Alma McDaniel. Affectionately known to her family and friends as Cookie, Mary was a longtime resident of Linden, New Jersey. She was educated in the Linden Public School System and graduated from Linden High School in 1975. Mary went on to study chemistry at Union County College.

In 1976, Mary began her career at ExxonMobil Corporation. Her leadership, tenacity, work ethic, and corporate acumen led to numerous promotions and recognitions at the company. She became a supervisor within ExxonMobil’s Information Center, where she remained until her retirement in 2018. Throughout her 42-year tenure, she built impactful relationships and learned lessons that would serve as the cornerstone of her life for years to come.

In 1984, Mary married Malcolm Philbert of Roseau, Dominica, who preceded her in death in 2023. Mary was many things to many people. But the role that she cherished most was that of mother. Mary took tremendous pride in journeying through life alongside her children, investing in their lives, prioritizing their interests, and empowering their potential, while being a steady source of encouragement, the epitome of grace, and a pillar of strength. She demanded excellence from them, and when they came up short, she was always there, ready to get them back on track. As a virtuous and faithful woman of God, the Cathedral International was her second home and place of worship for over 30 years. She found peace, joy, and connection being part of the congregation and serving as an usher for many years.

Mary’s second act was nothing short of extraordinary. Since 2018, Mary has served as a crossing guard with the Linden Police Department. She took tremendous pride in imparting wisdom and values, teaching manners, and garnering the respect of children and young adults. This role allowed her to deepen her ties to the community that raised her, meet new people, and reconnect regularly with old friends. Mary was a philanthropist, and with a giving heart, she donated to scores of foundations and organizations whose missions she believed in; she always did whatever she could to lessen the plight of others. Mary was an avid traveler who fancied cruising the pristine waters of the Caribbean. When she wasn’t at sea, she could be found spending time with her children and friends, going to shows and events, running errands, road tripping to the slots, or binging her latest guilty pleasure on television.

On November 17, 2025, Mary fulfilled God’s promise and entered everlasting life. Mary is survived by her mother, Alma McDaniel of Elgin, SC, children Justin David Philbert of Columbia, SC, Dr. Brittany Nicole Philbert of Leland, NC and Jared Anthony Philbert of Linden, NJ, grandchildren Jayden David, Jaxon David, Alana Rose, and Jurnee Makayla, sister Joann Givens-Harper (Dennis) of Blythewood, SC, brother David McDaniel, Jr. (Vivian) of Alpharetta, GA, in-laws who were very special to her, loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and a community of friends from all walks of life.

At her core, Mary was one of a kind, a genuine person, and as real as they come. She left no stone unturned. She didn’t know a stranger, enjoyed life, and lived every day with purpose. With a servant heart, Mary always saw the best in others and would often put others before herself, which is something that she instilled in her children. This was Mary’s legacy and her gift to this lifetime as a devoted daughter, a steady sister, a loyal wife, a best friend, and a dynamic, ever-present mother.

The funeral service will take place at Cathedral International, located at 277 Madison Ave, Perth Amboy, NJ 08861, on December 3, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am. A graveside service will immediately follow at Forest Green Park Cemetery at 12:00pm, located at 535 Texas Rd, Morganville, NJ 07751.