Obituary of Marian Gibson

Marian Estell Gibson died peacefully at her home in Washington, NJ on January 22, 2008. Marian was born in Newark, NJ, on December 14, 1911. She had recently celebrated her 96th birthday with her family and her long-time nurse and companion, Ritchy DeVera. The youngest of seven siblings, Marian moved to Washington as a teenager with her mother and father, Martha and Frank Estell. He was an engineer of the DL&W Railroad Company, and Washington was a hotbed of railroad activity at the time. It was in Washington that she met her future husband, Willard F. Gibson. Willard, Gibby to most who knew him, died in 2003 at age 93. In 1937, encouraged by Gibby, Marian took a chance and opened, "The Marian Shop," a store featuring ladies apparel. Armed with a little experience and a lot of moxie, she made a real success of it, the store being a Washington Avenue for forty years, until her retirement. Marian was certainly a trooper: For many years several times a month she would either take the train or drive her 939 Chevrolet into New York, park on 36th Street, and comb the garment jungle for the right dresses or hats for her clients. Tellingly, the ladies who worked with Marian at the sore often became part of an extended family that worked – and played – together for many years. Marian's great hobby, besides reading, was traveling. The boys would tag along for trips to the South, or north or West, but the cruises, the Grand Tours of Europe and the South Pacific, and the African safaris were the special providence of Marian and Gibby. Marian had a varied and full life, having been a loving wife and mother, a success in business, an extensive and curious traveler of the world, and a friend to and friend of many. She will be missed by all who knew her. Survivors: : Marian is survived by her two sons, Jack and Bill, their wives, Nancy and Kathleen, and her seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Marian's brothers and sisters predeceased her. Services: Arrangements were handled by the DeVoe Funeral Service, 136 W. Washington Ave., Washington, NJ Online condolences may be expressed at www.devoefuneral.com. Memorials: Marian's friends and family will gather together on a sunny morning in May to celebrate her life. Tributes: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tribute from: Maragaret Gibson Our Sincere Condolences.