Obituary of Marilyn Ford

Marilyn Ann McDonnell Ford, 75, of Morris Plains, passed away on Friday, June 19, at Shorrock Gardens Care Center, Brick Township, after a long illness and surrounded by her loving family. Marilyn's death came less than two weeks after the death of her Beloved Husband of 42 years, Ralph L. Ford. Marilyn was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to Mary and Michael McDonnell, the oldest girl in a family of five children. She graduated Benedictine Academy in 1957 and attended Tobe'-Coburn School of Merchandising in New York City. Marilyn's professional career included several positions in corporate management with TMP Worldwide, AT&T and The Hertz Corporation, as well as stints as office manager for several doctors in the area. . After retirement, Marilyn devoted her tremendous energy to many volunteer organizations, including the American Cancer Society, The New Jersey Coalition for Battered Women, Family Service of Morris County and Hospice of Morris County. Marilyn is survived by her brother Edward of Deerfield Beach, Florida; sister Maureen Maroney of Toms River, and sister Patricia Przystawski and husband Ron, of Manchester, as well as Beloved Cousins Mary and Steve Kelley of Fanwood. She also leaves behind nephews and nieces: Chris Maroney of Stuart, FL; Jessica Przystawski of Waitsfield, VT; Brian Przystawski and wife Laura of Philadelphia; and Kate Maroney Wierenga and husband Steve of Brooklyn, as well as a step daughter, Amy Biener and Family of Port Charlotte, FL. Visiting will be Monday morning, June 22nd from 10:00am-12pm, at the Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, next door to the funeral home, at noon. Following the Mass, Marilyn will be buried next to Ralph in Denville Cemetery. Donations in Marilyn's name may be made to any of the volunteer groups she served, as well as to her alma mater, Benedictine Academy.