Emma Blanche Marion

Emma Blanche Marion, 108, a lifelong resident of Ellwood City died Thursday, November 13, 2014 at Northview Estates following a brief illness.

Born February 16, 1906 in Ellwood City, she was the daughter of the late Daniel J. and Anna Marie Eichenberger Bookamer. She was married on December 26, 1928 to Charles W. Marion Sr. They were married for 57 years when he passed away on August 12, 1985.

Emma graduated from Central High School in 1924 then was employed by the National Tube Company in the order department for four years before her marriage. At that time there was a rule that married women could no longer work there. Later in life, she worked at J.C. Penney’s in Ellwood City for 19 years. Again she was forced to retire, this time because she turned 65. She enjoyed her job and did not want to retire.

Emma joined the Bell Memorial Presbyterian Church in her early childhood. An active member, she belonged to the Kings Daughters Class, Leona Lash Guild and the Monday Morning Prayer Group.

Mrs. Marion was a Past Matron and an active member of the Ellwood City Chapter #212 Order of the Eastern Star. She also belonged to the Ellwood City AARP and to several Senior Citizen Line Dancing Groups in Ellwood City and New Brighton. Emma enjoyed Tai Chi Classes and the Sit and Be Fit Lessons at the Ellwood City Family Center. She also bowled but the thing she enjoyed most was dancing. She danced on Saturday nights in New Brighton at the SOI Club with a group called the Beaver County Swingers. She didn’t stop driving and lived in her own home until she turned 100 and moved to Trinity Oaks Care Center. For the past year she has been enrolled in the Boston University Genetics of Longevity Study, a nationwide survey of people 105 and older, where researchers hope to fine clues to healthy aging. Emma contributed her longevity to always looking at the bright side of life, eating right, and enjoying dancing and exercise. She was always happy and always smiling.

Survivors include a son, Dr. Charles W. (June) Marion of Ellwood City; daughter, Ila Lee (William) Mayberry of Florida; six grandchildren, Dr. Mark (Kimberly) Marion of Ellwood City, Dr. Martin Marion of Fombell, Alane Mayberry (Bill) Ramsey of North Carolina, Leslee Mayberry (Dr. Robert) Brown of Florida, William “Bill” (Wanda) Mayberry III of Florida, and Lara Mayberry (Scott) Greer of Georgia. Completing the family circle are twelve great grandchildren and four 4 great great grandchildren, ;

The last of her family, Mrs. Marion was preceded in death by a brother, Edward Bookamer and three sisters, Pearl Carnahan, Ruth Lutz and Viola Evans.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, November 16 from 2-4 and 6-8 at the Marshall Funeral Home 200 Fountain Ave. Ellwood City. Members of the Eastern Star will have a service at 4 pm.

Funeral Services will be held at the funeral home on Monday at 11 am with Rev. William King, interem pastor at Bell Memorial Church officiating.

Entombment will follow in the Slippery Rock Church Cemetery Mausoleum.

Memorial Contributions in Mrs. Marion’s name my be made to the Bell Memorial Presbyterian Church, 610 Line Ave. Ellwood City.

The family would like to extend thanks to Dr. Rahall, special friend, Mary Ann Gearhart, the Staff at Trinity Oaks, Northview Estates and Gentiva Hospice for the excellent care and compassion they gave to Emma.

Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.