Ann Brady failed to report for her Wednesday shift bagging groceries at The Market Basket in Franklin Lakes, where she has worked for the better part of two decades.
She passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday at the age of 66.
Her friends at The Market Basket, and at the group home in Hawthorne where she has resided since 1999, will miss her terribly, as will her large extended family. Ann was known for her quick wit and amusing observations, and her gracious compliments. She will certainly live on through the many sayings the are now part of Brady family lore and frequently quoted at family gatherings.
Born in Detroit in 1951, Ann was the eldest of six siblings. She is survived by them: Patrick Brady, Sue Brady, Tom Brady, Carol Lundgren, Kathy Spencer, and 15 nieces and nephews. Her mother, Katherine A. Brady, a resident of Franklin Lakes for 52 years, survives her as well. She was predeceased by her father, Robert C. Brady, who died in 2014.
A graduate of Ramapo High School in 1972, she remained a proud Ramapo Raider throughout her life. An avid Mets fan, Ann enjoyed annual outings to see them play, first to Shea Stadium, and later to Citi Field, with her brother Tom and brother-in-law Stan Przybylinski.
Ann resided with her family in Franklin Lakes near the Urban Farms Shopping Center prior to her move to Hawthorne. There, she was known as a chatty presence who became acquainted with many of the owners of the stores in the 1970s and 80s.
Prior to her job at The Market Basket, Ann worked at IBM in Franklin Lakes for 18 years, retiring in the early 1990s. She was known for her cheerful demeanor while delivering mail throughout the building, and the “Big Blue” years were some of her most productive.
But her star really began to shine when she struck out on her own and moved to Hawthorne. Ann was the unofficial mayor of the house, and enjoyed many outings with the friends she made there: bowling, the movies, overnight trips, dinners and other fun activities.
There will be no viewing. A funeral mass will be held at the church of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Franklin Lakes at 10 a.m. on Friday. Burial will follow at Christ the King Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Eastern Christian Children’s Retreat, a nonprofit organization serving individuals with developmental disabilities, 700 Mountain Avenue, Wyckoff, NJ 07481. (ECCRetreat.org)

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