Holmdel Community Activist Dies at 81

Isabelle McFarland, 81, of Holmdel, a homemaker and community activist, died June 7 at home after a long illness. She made a beautiful home in Holmdel for over 55 years before very recently moving to Tinton Falls.

Born in Jersey City on January 29, 1932, she was raised in Keansburg and graduated from Red Bank Catholic High School. She worked as a telephone operator and as a model before becoming a homemaker.

She was active in many causes including Full Circle NYC, the Holmdel Shade Tree Board, the Citizens for Intelligent Land Use, the Monmouth Center for World Religions and Ethical Thought, and the Holmdel Zoning Board of Adjustment. 

Isabelle also was an active and loving member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Monmouth County for nearly 40 years.

Her passion for gardening earned her a Master Gardener certificate, and her wonderful and diverse culinary pursuits will always be remembered. She also was a long time member of the Keyport Yacht Club.

Isabelle is survived by her devoted and loving husband of 61 years, Charles William McFarland of Tinton Falls; four sons, Edward of Derry NH, Kevin of MO, Christopher and wife Rosario of Toms River, William and wife Cathleen of Greer SC; one daughter, Amy Miller and husband Brandon of Maple Shade NJ; a sister, Karen Koense and husband Robert of Oceanport NJ; two brothers, William and Joseph Broderick of FL. She also leaves behind grandchildren, Meghan, Leah, Brandon, Sara, Ian, Madelyn and great grandchildren, Brynn Rose and Elise Isabelle as well as many loving extended family members and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 13 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Monmouth County in Lincroft. Donations can be made to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Monmouth County, 1475 W. Front St., Lincroft, NJ 07738.