Obituary of Jean Mullen

Jean Mullen August 30, 1926—March 15, 2020 “Little but wise, And a corker for her size.” That was the write up in Jean’s high school yearbook and it really described her. After graduation, she lived with her parents in Cranford, NJ, where she met her husband Roy Mullen fresh from military service. The couple lived in Cranford until 1953 when they purchased their first and only home on Glenside Place in North Plainfield, NJ. Glenside Place was a small horseshoe street filled with post WW2 veterans and their families. Jean was one of the gang. The moms sent the kids to school, cleaned the house, and then met together in various houses for tea and chatting. The neighborhood was close and many of the women remained friends with Jean long after they moved away. From an early age, Jean was dedicated to God. She often said that Jesus was her best friend and she couldn’t do life without Him. With that dedication, she sent her three children, Linda, Jack, and Tom off to Catholic School and took them to church every Sunday. She often talked about heaven and wondered what it would be like. She declared that she didn’t want streets of gold and often asked if we thought she would be bored there. (Smile). That devotion was lifelong. Above all, Jean was about family. She always gathered relatives together for holidays and special events. She arranged birthday parties, brunches, celebrations, and her famous 4th of July picnics. Back then, Roy would bring home sparklers and fireworks for all the kids. Her parents, sister Audrey with hubby Bill, and their 5 kids would join the neighborhood gang for the yearly bash. She remained close to the family all of her life. After Roy died, she continued to work at North Plainfield High School until retirement in 2015. She made many friends over the years at NPHS. Jean had a true gift of hospitality and a knack for entertaining. She would frequently arrange lunches for teachers and other friends. She was best known for her famous chocolate chip cookies. Even though Roy’s family lived across the country, Jean stayed closed to them. When she retired, her kids treated her to a vacation in Las Vegas. Her sisters-in-law, Dorothy and Lenora, nephew and wife flew in to make it a wonderful family event. Jean loved to play slots. She had a soup tureen where she put extra dollar bills. Whenever she wanted to go to Atlantic City or the Sands Casino in PA, she would count out her dollars and go play the slots. Jean also had some funny quirks. One time Linda went to visit for dinner. “Please pass the salt,” she said. “We don’t have any salt. Your mother read an article,” replied Roy. Several months later, Linda was again at their dinner table. “Please pass the salt,” Roy said. Linda questioned, “I thought you didn’t use salt?” “Your mother read another article,” replied Roy. We all laughed. Throughout her life, Jean was very active. She was an active member of the St. Luke’s RC Church in North Plainfield, where she frequently volunteered at the bingo events. She was also a former member of St. Joseph’s RC Church and was a member of their rosary society. Jean also volunteered with the Meals on Wheels Program, was a member of the Woman’s Auxiliary Post 506 Storr-Richie and was part of a group of women who raised money for missionary work in Peru. Jean ran her high school reunion committee for many years. These are just some of the things she did through the years. Jean Mullen, age 93, passed away peacefully on Sunday March 15, 2020 at the Eastern Star in Bridgewater, NJ while receiving cardiac rehabilitation. Jean is predeceased by her loving husband Roy Mullen. Surviving are her three children Linda Mullen, Jack Mullen and his wife Charlo, and Tom Mullen and his wife Julie; three grandchildren Ashley Castillo and her husband Carlos, Josh Ralston, Corey Parker and his wife Stacy. She is also survived by six great grandchildren Carolyn, Emily and Lucas Castillo, and Lauren, Erin and John Parker. Her sister Audrey lives in Florida. Jean was very close to her nephew Bill and wife Tracee, niece Patty and her other nieces Bonnie, Barbara, and Nancy. She was also close with Roy’s sisters Dorothy and Lenora and their families. The Vision The morning Jean passed into heaven, her daughter-in-law Charlo had a vision. Here is what happened in Charlo’s own words. A call came in this morning to tell us that Jean was being transported to the hospital with shortness of breath. After the phone call, I was in the shower and God gave me an incredible vision that He wants me to share with all of you. Not only did He give me the vision, but I heard what was going on. Two angels were escorting mom to heaven. Along that way she was so happy, smiling and laughing out loud. I could hear her laughter. When she got to heaven the first thing she saw were the streets of gold and she rejoiced out loud "oh streets of gold." I could see on her face the joy and excitement and hear her laughter of rejoicing and freedom. God said to me very clearly, "She has the streets of gold--and is loving it!!” I believe God was showing this to me as it was happening in real time. When I got out of the shower the phone rang to tell us that she had passed. We were given this vision so that we can have the comfort and peace and joy of knowing mom is healed and is now able to receive the peace and love that comes from her heavenly Father. Thank you Jesus for this vision showing us how much You love our mom, and that she is healed, peaceful, joyful and rejoicing and praising You. Due to the national situation regarding COVID-19, the family has decided to have a celebration of life at a later date. Please check back here in the future for updates.