Mary Jane (Austin) Weir

Mary Jane Austin Weir | 1937–2025

Mary Jane Weir—often called MJ by those who knew her (and there were many who did!)—left this world on November 13, 2025, after 88 years of laughter, long walks, and lively chatter.

Born September 1, 1937, to Charles and Helen Austin, Mary Jane grew up in Brooklyn, New York. She inherited a strong constitution, a quick tongue, and a heart that held room for her vast, vibrant circle of friends and family.

In her teens, fate introduced Mary Jane to the love of her life, Bill Weir, on a Park Slope sidewalk. Their courtship played like a scene from an old black-and-white film: MJ smoking a cigarette from her fourth-floor window as Bill walked to his shift at the grocery store below, her voice teasing down to him. Their love story spanned nearly 60 years of marriage, from 1958 until Bill’s passing in 2017. Mary Jane took care of Bill until his final breath during his dignified battle with Parkinson’s disease. Even in those final trying days, the humor between them endured—Bill would say, “Mar, will you pour me a see-through?” and she’d return to his bedside with two fingers of vodka. Though small in stature, she was mighty in her devotion, strength, and care.

MJ had a gift for friendship, a social calendar that rivalled a head of state’s, and a well-earned reputation for picking up the wrong wine glass at every gathering—a running family joke that always earned a laugh and occasional eye roll. She and Bill were the life of every party, whether gleefully sledding down a cul-de-sac like children or holding court at church functions. Her personality filled every room she entered (more often than not, she already knew half the room).

She adored long walks and longer chats, clocking miles in both steps and words per minute. She devoured books, played golf with friends, and lived with quick wit and deep loyalty.

A proud parishioner of St. Paul’s, MJ anchored her life in faith and community. She relished being part of something bigger than herself, but never failed to make an impression all her own. Her children remember a mother who was clever and filled with stories—many of them hilariously embellished.

Above all, MJ loved her family. She leaves behind her children—MaryPat; Maureen and Fran; Bill and Maureen; Tim and Christina; and Kevin and Cindy. Her beloved grandchildren—Tom, Grace, Benen, Julia, Matthew, Trevor, Megan, TJ, Patrick, and Matt Diaz—will forever remember her humor, hugs, and the bite marks baby Benen left on the gold cross she wore every day for several decades. She also leaves behind a beloved extended family of Weir, Austin and Christiansen nieces and nephews, and her dearest friend, Linda Harth.

Mary Jane Weir lived boldly, laughed easily, and loved with everything she had. Her spirit lives on in every glass raised, every sidewalk strolled, and every Weir/Austin story told.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at 10:30 AM at St. Paul R.C. Church in Ramsey, NJ. Interment will follow at Maryrest Cemetery in Mahwah, NJ.

For those wishing to remember MJ, a donation can be made to your local food bank or food pantry.

St. Paul R.C. Church livestream link https://www.facebook.com/stpaulrcchurch/live_videos/

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