Uta McQuade Obituary (1945 - 2025) - Monroe Township, New Jersey

Uta Johanna Emma Weber was born on July 28, 1945 in Berlin, Germany. She was born at the very time the Potsdam Agreement was being signed, which divided Berlin into East and West. She lucked out and got the West Berlin Address. She is predeceased by her parents, Elsa Schnelle and Heinz Weber, who met when they were evacuating a bombing of the Luftwaffe Headquarters where they were working. Heinz said to Elsa, “If we live through this, I’m going to marry you”. They survived, married, conceived a child, and went their separate ways to lead very different lives. Uta and her brother were raised in Post World War II Berlin, primarily by their maternal grandparents, Emma and Franz Schnelle. The central focus of life during this turmoil was family. Their aunts, uncles and cousins also played an integral part in her early years as well as throughout her entire life. Uta retired from a fulfilling and cherished job as a secretary at Georgian Court University after 25 years. Her strong friendships with her Georgian Court family continued to burgeon and were a source of great pride in her life. She was a lifelong learner, avid reader, and a person of genuine curiosity and wonder. Her decades of service and compassion included the honor of being a Mercy Associate, an auxiliary group that is affiliated with the Sisters of Mercy, from 2003-2025. Her life was dedicated to helping others and she was always there to support and love anyone who needed it. Her devotion to lasting bonds with friends and family were paramount in her life. She recently returned to Berlin in April of 2025, to experience Germany one more time with her daughter. The visit with cousins, Gisela Spilger, her daughter Gabi and children (Frederick, Vincent and Jonas), and Jurgen Herter, wife Jutta, was a truly magnificent and fulfilling experience. Uta is survived by her devoted and loving husband - her soulmate, and favorite travel companion, William Turkus. Uta, Bill and their pets (Rusty, Bear and Alfie) were happiest when they were on the road travelling across the continent. Some of their favorite places were Bryce Canyon, Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Banff, Jasper, Nova Scotia, the Columbia River Basin, Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Mesa Verde. Her many photo albums demonstrate her keen eye and love of capturing the perfect moments in her life. Uta’s children and grandchildren a testament to the beautiful family she created: first born son Jerry McQuade Jr, wife Anila and daughters Kiana (24) and Emma (17), Son Todd McQuade and children, Kyran (24), Gavin (22), Braedon (17), Ziva (17), Brodie (11) and Hunter (9), daughter Tara McQuade, husband Isaac Martin and daughter Kiara Martin-McQuade (16), Uta’s stepdaughter Dara Lupowitz, husband Jeff and son David (24). Uta is also survived by brother Jochen Schnelle, his children, Daniel, Denise and Melanie, and his wife Yoko Goodman. The loss of this extraordinary matriarch is felt deeply and widely by so many other loved ones who were fortunate enough to move in her orbit. Uta loved nature and was “green” way before it was cool. She was a cheerleader for the underdog, and her overwhelming empathy for the most vulnerable and marginalized manifested through kindness and a strong sense of social justice, those attributes will live on as part of her legacy. Attending the NJ Symphony on Sunday afternoons for years Uta planted the seed of musical appreciation in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives which will undoubtedly continue to grow and flourish. She enjoyed art, and inspired others to do so too. She explored museums all over the world and attended countless concerts. She has bequeathed a love of culture that will be carried on for generations. Uta radiated warmth, acceptance and open-mindedness. She is known for her limitless love, generosity and thoughtfulness. She loved fiercely, never gave up on anyone and gave the best hugs in the world. Her beautiful green eyes sparkled and even smiled, especially when she spent time with her family and friends. Her passion for living and her positive outlook will be deeply missed. She will live forever in our hearts, we were blessed to bask in her love. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am on Saturday October 18, 2025, at the Co-Cathedral of St. Robert Bellarmine, 61 Georgia Road, Freehold, NJ 07728 We invite you to share your memories of Uta and upload photos to her memorial page, as we celebrate the life of this extraordinary woman. Your stories, pictures, and sentiments will serve as a testament to Uta's remarkable life and the love she shared with us all.