Marjorie, who is technically my first cousin once removed, was really more like an aunt to me. Or, better yet, a smart, happy, and gentle woman I admired. I remember when my sister (Karen), my mom (Joan) and I would excitedly head out to our annual girls-day visit to see Marjorie when she lived in NYC. Those were around my high school years, and Marjorie was just so hip to me. We’d meet at her apartment and then we’d head out, starting with a walk around her neighborhood. Marjorie was so gentle but walked with purpose, leading us through the streets and sharing stories about her neighborhood. We’d always grab dinner and see a show, and just enjoy each other’s company and family stories and endless conversation. My memories of Marjorie go back much farther than that, like spending time at the home she grew up in in Glen Ridge when we were all there for a visit. One particular memory I have from that time is that whenever we visited, we played a game with these pop-up pieces that we would need to construct. There was this one piece that without fail, would fall over every time we played. And we’d just instantly start laughing which was always the best part, because Marjorie had such a genuine laugh that would draw you right in. In my adult life, my memories are more around the new people joining our family. I remember a very special day celebrating Marjorie’s upcoming marriage to John, at an intimate family luncheon at Tavern on the Green with women from the Coeyman, Orr, and Hammerle families. When I met my now husband Ed, one of the first people he met was my Great-Aunt Margie, Marjorie’s mom. Ed and Aunt Margie had this unmistakable connection and became fast friends. Ed even wrote my Aunt Margie a letter to share that he was going to propose to me to let her in on a secret that only my father (Gene) knew. This special bond between Ed and Aunt Margie was a favorite topic for Marjorie and me because it brought us all even closer, and she just loved the joy that Ed brought to her mom. My last conversation this past year with Marjorie was about just this, as she said she still had the letter that Ed had written to her mom about his proposal. I never saw Marjorie without a smile on her face. She was so loving, and the true definition of a good person with a good heart. I feel very lucky to have such wonderful, strong memories of Marjorie to cherish.