Mary Ellen Dwyer Bohen, a longtime resident of Bridgewater, died peacefully Thursday, June 29, 2023. She was 92.

She was born March 10, 1931, to Patrick A. and Eleanor S. Dwyer. She grew up in Upper Montclair, N.J., one of four siblings. Mary Ellen spent summers in the Poconos and in Spring Lake, N.J. where she eventually met her future husband, James Vincent Bohen, Jr.

Mary Ellen was an elementary school teacher and later a real estate agent. The mother of eight children, she was the loving center of her own family and a second mom to her children's friends. Mary Ellen's life was full of both joy and hardship. Despite the early loss of her husband and an infant daughter she steered her family with relentless integrity, faith and devotion. She was a true matriarch and relished the joys of her ever expanding family. Mary Ellen was particular in every facet of her life from the way she dressed, to the perfect gin and tonic recipe. She held herself and her family to a higher standard. Her love and guidance will be greatly missed.

Mary Ellen was an accomplished scholar and a graduate of Lacordaire Academy, Georgetown Visitation and Rosemont College. Education was extremely valued by Mary Ellen and she expressly encouraged and supported each of her children in their academic endeavors. After college, Mary Ellen taught elementary students for three years.

Mary Ellen married her childhood sweetheart, James V. Bohen Jr. in 1954. Committed to each other and to their faith, they enjoyed a full life together until his death at age 59 in 1989. James was the love of Mary Ellen's life.

Mary Ellen left teaching after having children and became a full-time mom of 8 children. Over the years, the family moved from New Jersey to Ohio, New York state and Massachusetts, before returning to New Jersey in 1977. Mary Ellen made lasting friendships wherever they lived, and friends considered her the life of every party.

After raising her family, Mary Ellen began a real estate career with Weichert Realtors, during which she successfully helped many families find their perfect home. Her devoted husband helped by carting open house signs around in his station wagon every weekend. She retired in 2008.

Mary Ellen was a devout Catholic and parishioner of St. Bernard of Clairvaux R.C. Church in Bridgewater.

She was a faithful subscriber to the Sunday New York Times, a voracious reader and a close follower of news and politics, able to argue complicated issues with a sure knowledge of the facts.

A sports fan, she rooted for the Yankees, the Giants and Notre Dame football. She played tennis with friends for many years. In her over-55 community she was an avid Bridge player, joined the book club, took bus trips to Broadway shows and participated in group swim aerobics classes into her 80s.

Mary Ellen was always happiest at the beach. She spent many summer days with her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren at the Jersey Shore.

Mary Ellen is preceded in death by her husband, her infant daughter Sarah Jean and Sister Patricia Long.

Mary Ellen is survived by seven children: James Vincent "Jim" Bohen III and wife Elizabeth, Mary Patricia "Tish" Capawana and husband Anthony, Eleanor Marie "Lynn" Hudec and husband Mark, Elizabeth Jane "Beth" Williams and husband Frank Lowery, Catherine Vaughan Bohen and husband Vic Pascoe, Thomas Moore "Tommy" and wife Nancy, and Mary Malloy "Molly" James and husband Derek; a brother, John Dwyer; a sister, Sheila Wilson; 14 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, July 7, 2023, at St. Bernard of Clairvaux R.C. Church, 500 U.S. Highway 22, Bridgewater, N.J. Entombment will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery in Bridgewater, NJ.

Arrangements are by Branchburg Funeral Home, 910 Route 202 S., Branchburg, N.J.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Midland Foundation, P.O. Box 5026, North Branch, N.J. 08876, or online at midlandnj.org.