Obituary of Marjorie Ann Philippe

Marjorie Ann (Preston) Philippe passed away at home in Denville surrounded by her family on November 28, 2023, at the age of 94.

Born in Queens, NY to Myron and Mary Catherine (McGee) Preston, she grew up in Bayside, Detroit and Pittsburgh.  She worked at Bell Labs for a while. The family moved back to Bayside after high school, where she eventually attended The Art Students League in New York City.  It was at the Art Students League where she met Paul Aldo Philippe, who she married in 1956, living in Manhattan and moving to Summit NJ and then onto permanent residence in Denville in 1964.

Marjorie was involved in art and artistic pursuits throughout her life, and was involved with the Riverview School FunFair and illustrated the pictures for the Riverviewer. She volunteered for the Denville Community Gardens, the Denville Historical Society, St. Claire’s Harvest Festival.  She also loved embroidery, especially cross stitch. Marjorie also designed cross stitch charts for Schoolroom samplings and often used her husband’s hand carved Santas as inspiration. She was a member of the EGA and FCE. She was an avid knitter and enjoyed quilting. Marjorie was always willing to share her knowledge in helping others learn her skills. Her grandchildren will miss her hand-knit “Gramma” socks.

She also served on the Board of Directors of the Art Students League in NYC in the 1960s.

She was a recipient of the Ettore Minervino award in 1985, and was one of the Grand Marshalls of Denville’s Centennial celebration.

Marjorie was predeceased by her beloved husband, Paul Aldo Philippe in 1986, and by her son-in-law, Anthony Freda in 2012.  She is also predeased by her two sisters, Betty Jane and Jean, and her brother Kenneth.

She is survived by her two loving daughters, Rebecca Toledo and Jane Freda, both of Denville, as well as her cherished grandchildren, Paul Neistadt, Damon Neistadt, Loren Freda, Catherine Freda and Christopher Toledo, and two great grandchildren, the apples of her eye, Sara Shipley and Lucas Neistadt.  She is also survived by two nieces, Gail Saukas and Jill Williams, and a nephew, Rick Williams, and several great nieces and nephews and many friends.

Memorial visitation will be held on Friday, December 15th, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 6:00 p.m. at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville, NJ 07834 www.normandean.com.

Memorial donations can be made in her name to St. Jude Childrens Hospital or to the Denville Historical Society by way of www.inmemof.org.