Shelly Widder, a lifelong resident of Fanwood, New Jersey, left this world abruptly at 50 years old on September 7, 2023. Her passing comes just four months following her husband Chuck’s untimely demise at 51. She is survived by their four children—Charles (22), Hayden (20), Colin (17), and Claire (15).
Earlier this year, on April 24, 2023, Chuck Widder unexpectedly passed away, leaving a void in his family and community.
Shelly’s absence will profoundly affect not only her family but also an extensive network of friends and acquaintances who admired her.
Social Media Pays Tribute to the Widder Family
Our hearts are heavy with sorrow as we join the Widder family and their friends in their grieving process. Your loss is our loss, and while words may be insufficient to express the depth of our sorrow, our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Situated in Union County, New Jersey, Fanwood is a suburban borough situated in the regions of Raritan Valley and Rahway Valley. Known as a commuter’s dream to New York City, Fanwood carries a particular resonance for the family and friends of Shelly Widder.
The loss of Shelly Widder has created an unfillable void for those fortunate enough to have known her. She was far more than a colleague, friend, or neighbor; she epitomized the essence of goodness in a human being.

Shelly Widder of Fanwood, New Jersey, passed away suddenly at the age of 50, on Thursday, September 7, 2023
The unexpected loss of both parents has left Shelly’s children facing an uncertain future, one made even more precarious by the prior passing of their father, Chuck.
For her extended family members who mourn the devastating loss of a cherished daughter and sister, coping with this twin tragedy is nearly insurmountable.
In an effort to support the Widder family, Sandy Magluilo, a kind-hearted Fanwood local, initiated a GoFundMe campaign aimed at covering Shelly’s funeral expenses and supporting the immediate needs of her surviving children.
Cause of Shelly Widder’s Passing: A Lingering Mystery
The untimely death of Shelly Widder on September 7, 2023, has plunged her New Jersey community into profound sorrow. The reasons behind her sudden departure remain elusive, intensifying the struggle to make sense of this tragic event.
Shelly’s friends and family have been voicing their sorrow and love through heartfelt messages, underscoring the significant, positive impact she had on their lives.
In these trying times, the Fanwood community has rallied around the Widders, coming together in acts of collective kindness and empathy.
The vacuum left by Shelly and Chuck Widder in the lives of their children—Charles, Hayden, Colin, and Claire—is almost beyond words. The four young Widders must now navigate life’s complexities without the emotional and physical support of their parents.
In the face of overwhelming grief, the Fanwood community’s collective acts of support and love demonstrate that the Widders are not alone in their journey through sorrow. As we all deal with this enormous loss, Shelly and Chuck Widder’s memory will undoubtedly continue to foster love and compassion among us all.

She death just four months after the death of her beloved husband, Chuck Widder, 51, leaving behind their children Charles (22), Hayden (20), Colin (17), and Claire (15).
Shelly Widder Obituary
The sudden passing of Shelly Widder has created an immeasurable chasm in our community that no words can adequately describe. During this challenging period, it’s completely normal for each of us to grapple with a whirlwind of emotions as we mourn. As we navigate through our collective grief, it’s crucial for us to lean on each other for support, share cherished memories, and find comfort in the lasting legacy that Shelly Widder has bequeathed upon us all. United in this sorrow, we can discover a newfound resilience and a pathway to healing as we pay tribute to a life incredibly well-lived.
In the coming days, we will provide updated information on Shelly Widder’s obituary as accurate details become available. We extend a heartfelt invitation to family, friends, and community members to convene and partake in commemorating this extraordinary individual. This is not just an occasion for mourning; it’s an opportunity for each of us to gather and honor the transformative impact that Shelly Widder had on our lives. Let us unite in both sorrow and celebration, forever cherishing the precious memories and invaluable lessons that Shelly gifted us throughout their remarkable journey on this Earth.