Marion Rose Whittles

Marion Whittles, age 94, of Selbyville, DE, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2025, with her loving family by her side.

Marion was born on November 26, 1930, in Trenton, NJ. She moved to Maryland with her husband, James, and raised her family there in Wheaton for around 38 years. She is survived by her sons John (Tricia) and Vince (Sherry) and her daughters Ann and Tammy (Dave), her daughter-in-law Diane, her sister Ann Marie (Bernie), 14 grandchildren and 34 grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She was preceded in death by her loving husband and best friend, James; her son Michael; her brothers Jim and John; sister-in-laws Ann, Betty and Joyce; and her parents, Nick and Jennie Catrambone.

Marion's love for children inspired her to go into foster care. She was the loving foster mom to more than 20 children and she greatly impacted all of their lives. Marion still kept in touch with a few of her foster children to this day and they all spoke of their love for her and the difference she has made in their lives.

A parent of one of her foster children once wrote:

"She is beautiful. In the classic sense, yes. The white hair frames the soft, expressive eyes, the ever-present smile, the still perfect complexion. But her beauty goes so much deeper than that. It is the beauty of many years of marriage, motherhood, grandmother-hood. The many years of giving guidance, and unshakable love are carried like an aura around her, an aura she wears well.

"These children are her children. She gives up the freedom that grown children give to a woman. They are often infants she actually picks up from the hospital. She is the first to love them, cuddle them and sing to them. 'Mom' and baby bask in each other's companionship. Her home is their home, their first home and very possibly the best home they will ever know. She took in a three year old boy to keep him from spending Easter in a boys' home. She hugged him, kept him warm, became the 'Grandmom' he didn't have. He plainly adores her. Yes, he moved back home after two years of living with her, but she is in his thoughts every day and his prayers every night. He is my son so I know the extent of his love for her."

Marion was always embarrassed by the public attention of her good work and often said she did it because she enjoyed it. Marion and Jim were recognized one year by the Knights of Columbus and received a plaque for "Recognition for Outstanding Contribution to the Promotion of Family Life."

Marion was widowed in 2013 after caring for Jim during his illness. She was his primary caretaker and, once again, showed a love and strength most people don't possess.

Marion loved all her grandchildren and great grandchildren deeply. All of them have their own special memories with her and she made each one feel loved and important. Every holiday and birthday she made them all feel celebrated and special with her cakes and famous decorated cookie tree. The holidays will not be the same without her delicious cannoli’s. She knew all their names till the end. Marion always loved watching sports that her family participated in. Even at the end she could be seen in a wheelchair on the sidelines of basketball, soccer, lacrosse, wrestling, horseback riding and dance. Everyone knew who she was and always made a fuss to make sure she was comfortable. Marion had a rare gift of making others smile and laugh, leaving a lasting impact on all who crossed her path.

Marion was able to live on her own almost to her 94th birthday. She had many friends in her neighborhood, continued to drive, played cards, bingo and shuffleboard. She didn't waste a moment of her life. Probably the hardest thing for her the last year of her life was giving up her independence. She still always kept her smile, though.

Marion also loved the beach. She loved nothing more than basking in the sunshine and hearing the ocean and feeling the ocean breeze. Marion and Jim moved to Selbyville, DE in the 1990s which was about three miles from the beach. This past summer, Marion was able to have several days on the beach with most of her family on vacation. The weather was perfect and she was once again able to soak up the sun, put her toes in the water and enjoy all the children laughing and playing.

The Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life service to honor the life of Marion Rose Whittles will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Mary of the Mills Catholic Church, 114 Saint Mary's Place, Laurel, MD 20707. The viewing will be from 12 Noon to 1:00 p.m. at the Church.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Marion's name to the Alzheimer's Association.