Obituary of Marion Ida Linstra

Marion Ida (Thomas) Linstra, was born in Paterson, NJ, January 19, 1922, and lived her entire life in various cities throughout NJ. She went to her eternal home on February 25, 2016, and is now with her precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As a young girl growing up during the Great Depression, Marion's beautiful character that embodied contentment and an unparalleled work ethic began to take form. These qualities, along with her dependence on God, became the hallmark of her life. Following the death of Marion's husband John in 2009, she continued living in their home for the next four years. She was blessed to have her sister Jean close by as well as her dear friend Marie and her grandson Jeff's family. Marion was always content yet she needed to be in a place where she would be cared for while maintaining her independence. Crestwood Manor in Whiting, NJ was the perfect place. It was at Crestwood where she navigated the long hallways in her motorized wheelchair yet never had a driver's license! She loved her caregivers, her new friends, her new apartment and thrived in this new environment for the next two years. She became active with a group of women who crocheted or knitted baby blankets with matching hats for a local hospital. She also crocheted lap blankets that were sold in Crestwood's gift shop, providing funds for any resident who needed extra help, She giggled often, listened well and amazed us with her capacity to remember everything! She loved reading her Bible, learning from her favorite pastors, keeping abreast of the news and loving the times when family members came to visit. She even held her first great-great-grandson, Jayden! Marion is survived by her three children: John (Judie) in OH, Joyce in NJ, and Ralph (Judy) in VA; seven grandchildren - Bill (Kim) and Dave (Yvonne) Albert, Jeff (Jill) Linstra, Jonathan (Leslie) Unstra, Jamie Linstra, Kami (Patrick) Jones, and Scott (Mary Beth) Linstra; eighteen great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson; her sister Jean Robinson, and sister-in-law Flo Thomas. She was predeceased by her sister Edith Birchenough, and three brothers - Harry, Charlie, and Frankie Thomas. The funeral service will be on Saturday, March 5, at 10:00 am at Moore's Home for Funerals, 1591 Alps Road, Wayne, NJ, followed by her burial in Laurel Grove Memorial Park, Totowa, NJ.