Obituary of Marlene K. Stafford

Marlene ("Molly") E. Stafford (nee Knapp) of Pitman, NJ, age 91 years, died October 20, 2022 with her family by her side. Molly was born and raised in Hudson Falls, NY where she graduated high school in 1949. Many fond memories and lifelong friendships were formed during those years. Upon graduation, she attended Albany State and Albany Business College for two years. She returned to Hudson Falls to care for her mother and sister. It was then when she began working at Scott Paper in Fort Edward, NY where she met Robert Stafford, "the most handsome man she had ever seen." They were engaged one month later and married for fifty-seven years. Upon Rob's transfer in 1966 to the Scott Paper headquarters in Philadelphia, the family moved to Pitman. Molly and Rob lived in Pitman for the rest of their lives. In addition to providing a happy home for her family, she worked for 12 years as a bookkeeper for Merritt's Flowers. What she enjoyed most was spending time with her family and her many close friends. She also loved playing bridge, bowling which she did for fifty years, teaching her grandchildren to play piano, solving crosswords, knitting countless sweaters and other items for her loved ones, and with seemingly little effort feeding her family great home-cooked meals nearly every night. To truly know Molly, was to understand how loyally she loved, how generously she forgave, and how willingly she sacrificed for others. Those qualities she passed to her children and grandchildren. Molly dedicated her life to Rob and their four children. She loved and cared for her husband so much that it was a challenge for her to live without him for the 13 years after he passed. She relied on her family and close friends during this time, and took great pride in the accomplishments of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is survived by her children David (Karen) of Mullica Hill, Thomas (Maryann) of Pittsgrove, Brian (Diane) of Pitman, and Jane (Edwin) of Aiken, SC; her grandchildren Geoff (Melissa), Laura (Steven) Kestel, Jessica, Ann (Mike) Rambone, Joe (Christina), Aaron (Lisa), Michelle (Sean Caskey), and Eric; great-grandchildren Grace Kestel, Nathan Kestel, Toni Rambone, and Charlie Stafford; and nieces Karen Ward and Michelle Stark. She is predeceased by her parents Irving and Jesse Knapp; her brother Clifford; and her sisters Doris, Pauline, Shirley, and Marion. The family would like to thank Megan for the care and love she gave Molly during the last years of her life. Molly loved her as she did her own children. Friends may call on Thursday from 6 to 8 PM in the Kelley Funeral Home, 125 Pitman Ave., Pitman, NJ and Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 AM in the Pitman United Methodist Church, Broadway and Lambs Rd., Pitman, NJ with the funeral service following at 10:30 AM. Interment will take place after the service at Gloucester County Veterans Cemetery. Those desiring are encouraged to make donations in Marlene's name to Angels Community Outreach, 334 South Broadway, Pitman, NJ 08071. www.angelsoutreach.org.