Rosemarie (Gray) McAdam

Rosemarie McAdam, 94, of Hazlet, New Jersey, passed away on Tuesday, September 24, 2024.  Rosemarie was born in Kearny, NJ, in January 1930, to Maerose and Alvah J. Gray.

Ro, who was called Beege by some friends and family members, was close to her brother Al, and together they enjoyed their childhood in Kearny when the streets were lined with Chestnut trees.  St. Cecilia’s was their church and school, and many relatives lived nearby, often coming by the apartment for family visits.

Ro met her husband James at St. Cecilia’s High School, where he was a star soccer and basketball player.  She was a cheerleader, and James was valedictorian for their graduating class of 1947.  Ro then joined the many young women working in Newark--she at the Prudential—with her natural good looks, high heels, and of course, the stockings with seams.

Married in 1950, they bought the brand-new split-level in Hazlet in 1956, where Ro continued to make many more lifelong friends. She created a nicely decorated home for her husband and five children, and it was always neat and clean because she made those five children take their “shoes off at the door!” Her 1948 edition of The Joy of Cooking didn’t pan out in the “joy” department, but still the family enjoyed their meals together every night.

James was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Ro, with her great sense of fun, comic timing, and love of dancing, performed in the musicals staged by that group. She played Mrs. Sophie Baker in Come Blow Your Horn, and as one of the Hotbox Girls in Guys and Dolls—looking like quite a Doll in those fishnet stockings and black leotard; she loved all this. Not long ago she brought out those pictures and said it shows that she “did something.” But of course, she did much more, not the least of which was raising her 5 children alone after James died suddenly at a very young age. We didn’t understand this difficult task until we were grown, with our own homes and children to raise.

It was necessary to go back into the workplace at this point, now as a medical office assistant, and later for 15 years at Shorelands Water Company. Along the way, Ro took writing classes at Brookdale and was proud to become the first female member of the Keyport Elks Club, and soon became the Chaplain for the group. Ro was a member of the Holmdel, and Keyport, Senior Centers, enjoying travels with the groups to shows in New York, and various bus trips beyond. Ro always looked like the belle of the ball in her fashionable clothes, stylish hairdo and beautifully manicured nails (thanks Mickey!) and her ever present matching bracelets.  As her many friends can attest, if there was music playing, Ro could be found on the dance floor, and she would go it alone if no one wanted to join her! From Tony Bennett to Lady Gaga, she'd be kicking up those heels!

In her late 70's she was lucky enough to meet her special friend Artie whom she enjoyed spending time with, belly laughing at his ever present sense of humor. She was grateful to know and love him. His daughter Donna became like a 4th daughter to Ro. They too were thankful to have each other.

Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren lit up her world. Ro eagerly awaited the birth of her latest great-grandson, Luca. She was able to enjoy three wonderful visits with him.

Ro was predeceased by her beloved parents Maerose and Alvah Gray, her brother Al Gray, and her husband James.

Rosemarie is survived by her children who adored her and were so grateful for her incredible sense of humor! - Carol (Peter Shea), Maureen (Terry Kucenski), Jim (Sue), Brian, and Pat; her much loved grandchildren Sean (Angela), Shea (Danielle), Claire (Hugo), Nicole (Jesse), and Zach, her 5 great-grandsons, her cousin Maureen O'Neill and many, many special friends that cherished her. We know you're up there dancing to the tunes of your pal Joey Sudyka mom!

Thank you for your unwavering love and all the laughs!  We will carry you in our hearts forever. xxoo

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made in Ro's name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or Home Free Animal Rescue at www.homefreeanimalrescue.com.

Family and friends are invited to visit on Friday, October 4, 2024, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM at Shore Point Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 3269 State Highway/Route 35 North, Hazlet, New Jersey 07730.  A prayer service will be offered at the funeral home during the visitation hours.  In respect of Rosemarie’s wishes, she will be privately cremated.  For information, directions, or to send condolences to the family, please call 732-203-9200 or visit, www.shorepointfh.com.

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