Marguerite “Marge” (nee Hengstler) DeLambily born on April 29, 1927, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at the age of 98 on the Fourth of July 2025. Having been an independent and patriotic person who loved the USA, Independence Day seemed positively fitting.

Marge cherished her family and her loving husband, Robert (Bob) DeLambily, Master Mariner USMS, who passed in 2001 but with whom she is now reunited and surely sailing the heavens. The youngest of three, Marge was predeceased by her dear parents, German immigrants, Carl and Gretel Hengstler, and her two sisters, Lillian Kakol and Ethel Arnold.

Raised in Union, NJ, she was a 1945 graduate of Union High School where she participated in school government and was a standout 3-sport athlete, notably serving as a two-year captain of the field hockey team. During summers she competed in swimming and synchronized swimming events at Camp Elsinore in Watchung, NJ, a traditional German athletics organization. After High School she graduated as an RN (Registered Nurse) from Muhlenberg Hospital and joined the Army Nurse Cadets. In 1948 she met Bob, the love of her life, and they married in 1949.

With a mutual love of the coast, in 1954 they moved with their two little children to Toms River where she and Bob established a successful boat rental business (complete with luncheonette and gift shop) on Barnegat Bay, BOB’S BOATS, on the NE side of the Thomas A. Mathis bridge to Seaside Hts. In 1957 they moved to Island Heights. During the summer

seasons they worked at the boats and in the winter, Bob shipped out as a Merchant Marine, while Marge worked part-time shifts as an RN and kept the home fires burning. They lived in Island Heights until retirement, after which they divided their time between a lagoon home in Lanoka Harbor, NJ, and a winter residence in Stuart, FL, with plenty of boats in both places for their enjoyment.

Marge worked as an RN at Paul Kimball Hospital in Lakewood and through her experience with the First Aid Squad, knew there was a dire need for a local hospital to serve the Toms

River area. She was instrumental in lobbying for this and finally in 1961 Community Memorial Hospital in TR was opened. She began working at CMH shortly after the grand opening as the head nurse in charge of the maternity ward.

She became active with PTA when her first child went to school in 1955 and stayed involved for the next 30+ years with Island Heights Elementary School PTA, Central Regional High School PTA, Ocean County PTA, and eventually a leadership position in the NJ State PTA. She served on many committees working on legislation for children’s protection. An expert in Parliamentary Procedure and Robert’s Rules, Marge traveled around the state for NJPTA to instruct and mediate when needed.

Marge welcomed all to her home and was passionate about serving the community. She was a member of the Island Heights Methodist Church since the early 1950s, and served as a Sunday School teacher, greeter, usher, and worked alongside Bob at the monthly UMM’s breakfast fundraisers. Forever a consummate volunteer she was a life member of the Island Heights First Aid Squad, Cub Scout Leader, Girl Scout leader, Eastern Star, Classroom Mom, IH Library Assistant, 4-H leader, County Election Board volunteer, and IH School Board member. She enjoyed serving two terms as President of Toms River Yacht Club Ladies Auxiliary. Even during her retirement in Lacey Twp., she remained active by volunteering at the Lacey Alliance running their Senior Lunches and chaperoning Lacey HS dances and trips, as well as continuing to volunteer on the local Election Board. In Florida she was active with her community at Hidden Harbor Estates, joined a local retired nurses’ group and continued to work on her Union HS reunion committee.

Marge loved music and was blessed with a beautiful voice. Whether she was crocheting, doing crosswords, jigsaw puzzles or Sudoku, there was always music playing in the house and Marge singing along. She loved patriotic songs, the Big Band Era music, Lawrence Welk, Andy Williams, and the like.

Rescuer of stray and injured animals and any person in need of a friend, Marge was known as a kind, loving, honest, and welcoming person who was always ready to help. She will be greatly missed by all her family and friends, old and new. Most recently she has been a favorite resident at Rose Garden in Toms River, where she often helped other residents and made everyone laugh with her wit and fun sense of humor. She was able to share her love of music and beautiful voice as a member of the Rose Garden Choir and enjoyed creating memorable artwork. The loving RG staff knew she was Nurse Marguerite because… “Once a nurse, always a nurse!”

Her Union High School senior yearbook quote proved to be aptly chosen for her: “The hand that hath made you fair, hath made you good… Grace, being the soul of your complexion,

shall keep the body of it ever fair.” (Shakespeare)

Marge is survived by her three children, four grandchildren and five great grandchildren as well as many loving nieces and nephews.

Robert W. DeLambily, Jr (MaryAnn Ragone DeLambily) Medford, NJ.

Suzan DeLambily-Hale (John) Toms River, NJ.

Barbara Rodgers (Andrew) Cumming, GA.

Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren:

Nash Hale (Adrienne) Nash2 and Ayla Hale, NYC, NY.

Morgan (Hale) Fitzpatrick (Michael) Ridge and Reese Fitzpatrick, London UK.

Sloane Rodgers, Boston, MA.

Graham Rodgers (Caroline) Adalyn Rodgers and baby #2 due soon, Woodstock, GA

Memorial Service Celebration of Life will be held at Island Heights Methodist Church on November 1st when family and friends from near and far may attend.

Memorial contributions may be sent to:

ISLAND HEIGHTS METHODIST CHURCH; POB 146, 111 Ocean Ave., Island Heights, NJ

08732

Or

ISLAND HEIGHTS FIRST AID SQUAD; POB 1027, 135 Central Ave., Island Heights, NJ 08732