Marlene Judith DeBoer (Nawrocki) of Hackettstown NJ, wife of Benjamin, peacefully went to her eternal resting place on July 25, 2024 at age 87. Born in Astoria, NY to parents Edna and Martin Nawrocki
Marlene “Bubbles” graduated Newton High School in 1954 and attended Douglas College and worked as a draftsman for Bell Labs. Growing up she was member of the Blue Birds, Campfire Girls (Girl Scouts), Hi-Tri Club of Newton YWCA, future farmers of America and Silver Bell Theta Rho Club, and was a Candy striper at Newton Hospital. Family activities she enjoyed were going to the shore & boardwalk, shopping in NYC with family and attending the Thanksgiving Day Parade. She frequented Bertrand’s Island in Lake Hopatcong before and after marriage and with her children. In 1942 Marlene won 1st prize for largest doll and 2nd prize for Oldest Doll at Newtons’ doll parade, her doll was larger than her sister Christa at the time and 3rd prize for largest dog, beagle hound “Brownie” in the pet parade contest. She was a talented artist, which included oil & porcelain painting, her fine details to faces and expressions were always remarked upon at craft shows she entered. She enjoyed a variety of different crafts which she often did with her children the groups she volunteered for.
Marlene met her future husband, Benjamin DeBoer Jr, at “Harrys Dairy” in Fredon, NJ. Marrying September 29, 1957, they soon moved from Newton to a farm in Allamuchy where they started their family, daughters Michele and Wendy were born during this time. In 1965 they moved into their newly built house in Schooley’s Mtn. area of Long Valley, where son Christopher was born. Marlene was a “Room Mother” at Flocktown Road School for several years, chauffer to children’s activities and second “Mom” to many in neighborhood kids. She was a leader of Girl Scout troops and 4-H groups, and helped with 4-H fairs. She raised rabbits for 4-H with Christopher, having about 25 rabbits at one time in the back yard. As children grew Marlene returned to the workforce employed as a cashier and Front End Manager by Shop Rite of Hackettstown. She was a member of Drakestown Methodist, Gethsemane Lutheran and Zion Lutheran Churches in Hackettstown & Long Valley.
Marlene & Ben retired to Gladys VA in 1997 for 25 years, she volunteered at the hospital delivering books and magazines to patients and also spent time helping at the Rustburg library. Her yard was certified as “Wildlife Habitat” by the National Wildlife Federation, when she submitted photos of gardens, water and housing for Birds, butterflies and Bees. They were members of the Calvary Church of Windfall. Her greatest love was her husband “Bennie”, who she so greatly cared for her every moment of her days and loved when he called her “George”.
Marlene is survived by her Husband Benjamin of 67 years, Sister Christa Hill & husband John of Palm Bay, FL; daughters Michele (Shelly) Zorsky Gutierrez & husband Ponch (Armando) of Oxford, NJ; Wendy Smith of Hackettstown; and son Christopher DeBoer & wife Melissa of Carrollton VA; Grandchildren: Ryan Zorsky of Upper Mt. Bethel PA, Rachael Grohl & husband Kurt of Whitehouse NJ, Jared DeBoer of Carrollton VA, and Kylie DeBoer of Atlanta GA and Great Grandchildren Amelia Zorsky, Rylie and Wyatt Grohl, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents and Granddaughter Samatha Zorsky.
Marlene loved her plants, pets, birds and her mementos, having a pet duck & other pets growing up, there were always several cats & dogs at her side. She collected and was a member of the Precious Moments Collectors Club, Jr Women’s Club and tried her talents joining a Needlework group in VA. She loved Hummel figurines, dolls and Angels, which she had varied collections.
Her greatest joys in life were memories made with family. Her husband, children, grandchildren and recent Great Grand children bought smiles to her face with every gathering and picture.
In Lieu of flowers donations in Marlene’s memory can be made to an animal shelter of your choice or Common Sense for Animals, 2420 State Rte 57 Stewartsville, NJ 08886; website: commonsenseforanimals.org
Or to American Heart Association, PO Box 840692 Dallas, TX 75284-0692.
The Memorial Service will be held at Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, N.J. 07840 on Saturday August 10, 2024 from 11:00 to 1:00, with a service starting at 1:00 pm. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.cochranfuneral.com
Condolences(5)-
-
-
-
-
Previous Beddow, Joan
Next Bitondo, Irene M.
Dean says
August 5, 2024 at 8:03 pmI am truly sorry for your loss. You have my heartfelt sympathy.
Carol Devine says
August 8, 2024 at 10:33 amThe measure of a life is not its duration, but its donation. Marlene donated so much to this world. God gave her many gifts:
Friendship – She was a true dedicated friend to many.
Love & Romance – Children and animals melted her heart, but her one and only true love Benny stole her heart and their romance blossomed for many years of marriage. However, once when we were shopping in a meat store for sausages, she confided in me that she wished she had married a German butcher so she could enjoy the aroma of his shop every day!
Avid Reader – The girl spent half of her life in the library trying to read every book that was ever written!
Artist – Because of her artistic talent people would seek out her work. If I had ever wrote a children’s book, Marlene would had been my choice to do the illustrations for it.
Traveling – When her family was young they enjoyed many vacation trips and at one time because our husbands were busy with their jobs, we traveled with children in tow to New England where we toured Boston, went ocean swimming and enjoyed delicious meals. One time in Bethlehem Pa at Christmas Festival Marlene told me about a German tradition of hiding a pickle ornament on the Christmas tree and the first person who found it Christmas morning got an extra present. Needless to say my children enjoyed doing this for many years. Our travels also took us to a lot of rabbit shows which Marlene really enjoyed because she liked meeting other breeders.
Faith – Being strong Christians, Benny and Marlene always enjoyed attending their church where Benny would sing in the choir.
We know she is now tending God’s beautiful gardens and is enjoying sitting at His never ending feasts especially since she won’t have to do any of the cooking! Another gift – she was an excellent cook!
As Marlene’s family goes through such sadness, I pray they will experience God’s comfort.
Carol says
August 8, 2024 at 3:02 pmThe measure of a life is not its duration, but its donation. Marlene donated so much to this world. She was a true dedicated friend to many. God blessed her with many gifts.
With the gift of love her heart melted for all children and animals. Her first and only everlasting love was her dear husband Benny who stole her heart. However, once she did tell me when we were shopping for sausages, that she wished she married a German butcher so she could enjoy the aroma of his shop everyday!
With the gift of wonder she loved to travel with her family and at one time with kids in tow we traveled to many places since our husbands were busy with their jobs. We visited New England, Bethlehem Pa where she told me the tradition of hiding a pickle ornament in the Christmas tree. We visited many 4H fairs and rabbit shows.. This gift also made her an avid reader and she spent half of her life in the library! Perhaps she was trying to read every book that was ever written!
With her creative gift she had people seek her out for her art pieces. If I had written a children’s book, I would have had her do the illustrations. Also she loved gardening and she might have put the English garden to shame.
With the gift of faith she lived a Christian life following the Bible and her and Benny were dedicated to serve their church where Benny sang in the choir.
As Marlene’s family goes through these days of much sadness may they experience God’s comfort.
Carol Devine says
August 9, 2024 at 7:08 pmA measure of a life is not its duration, but its donation.
Marlene donated so much to this world. Throughout the years we had so much fun sharing our friendship. As Marlene’s family goes through the sadness of this difficult time, I pray they will experience God’s comfort.
Jeannette Buursma says
August 9, 2024 at 8:14 pmAunt Marlene was always happy to see us and so very friendly. I will always remember her as a spunky, bright-eyed little lady! Our sincere condolences in the loss of a beautiful person!
Search Obituaries