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The Life of Marion M. Stephens

Marion M. Stephens, 96, of Upper Darby, PA, died March 30, 2017 at Vitas Hospice at Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital.

Born and raised in Orange, Mass., in the year of the Rooster, her family moved to Michigan and Wisconsin before settling in Upper Darby and graduating from Upper Darby High School in 1939.

Marion had been employed continuously from her graduation until retirement. During her early career she earned $ 12. a week. She later worked as a Federal employee, first for the Department of the Navy at the Cramp ship yard in Philadelphia during the war. She later worked for the Air Force Cambridge Research project in Florida and Massachusetts. She spent 23 years working for the US Forestry Service, Dept of Agriculture in Upper Darby and Broomall.

Marion would often travel to lecture on Civil Rights and the Women's program, opening the door for more women in the forestry service.

She retired in 1980 and due to computer problems in the federal pension system; she took a job in private industry working in the varied fields of architecture, medicine and at the University of Pennsylvania Museum.

She enjoyed writing opinion pieces in the local papers and would do typing and transcription for others.

Marion cared for her father, Leonard in later years until his death in 1978. The last in her immediate family, she was pre-deceased by her mother, Veronica in 1956 and her brother, L.C., Jr.  in 1980.  Marion enjoyed living an active and adventurous life.

Especially fond of animals,  she kept the SPCA busy with all the stray cats that found their way to her door.

Survivors include cousins and friends.

It was Marion's wish that there be no formal services.

Toppitzer Funeral Home at Arlington, Drexel Hill, Pa 19026; www.Toppitzer.us



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