Holmdel- Mary S. (nee) Van Malden Menzel of Holmdel NJ passed away on Tuesday, February 10^th peacefully at home.

Mary was born in Glasgow, Scotland in 1933 to Johannes VanMalden and Elizabeth (nee) Smallman VanMalden moving to the US at age 2.

She attended Freehold Boro High School and nursing school in Philadelphia, PA. She was introduced to her love, a young farmer, William Menzel, and they were married for 61 years. They had a large lively family of 5 children and a menagerie on their farm.  Bill was one of the owners of Menzel Brothers Farm, the FIRST pick your own farm in Monmouth County. Bill, Mary, and family, ran the farm market when it was a wagon on Route 34 in Holmdel, and then, when it was outgrown, moved to the larger farmstand down the road. They built the big market on Rt. 34 in 1985 managing a successful farm, pick your own, and market until retirement.

Many people remember picking strawberries and pumpkins and bringing their children and grandchildren to the farm creating memories that last to this day.

Mary was a member of Holmdel Community Church. She belonged to the local book club, and enjoyed the Monmouth Symphony Orchestra with friends. She loved to travel and visited Scotland, England, Prince Edward Island and Long Island to see her extended family. She loved her dogs, especially Pilot.

Mary was predeceased by her husband William, and her children, Margaret (Peggy) Boyton, her son, Douglas Menzel, and her twin daughters, Lynn Ottesen and Cathy Menzel, her son-in law, George Boyton and her sister, Louise Johnson.

Mary is survived by her loving son, Karl Menzel and his wife, Lisa. Also, surviving is her son-in-law Daniel Ottesen and her seven grandsons, whom she adored, Douglas Boyton, Christopher Boyton and his wife Jamie, William K. Menzel, Jr, Keith Menzel, Daniel Ottesen and his partner, Melissa, Erik Ottesen, Andrew Ottesen as well as 6 great grandchildren, her cousins, here, and “across the pond” and her dear friends.

Arrangements will be handled by Holmdel Funeral Home and funeral services will be private.

If you would like, in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity for animals and enjoy a “wee bit” whisky!