Marian Ruth Sargeant

Marian Ruth Sargeant, age 89, of Hockessin, Delaware, formerly of Newark, Delaware passed away after a short illness on August 7, 2024.

She was born Marian Ruth Simmons in 1934 in Waukon, Iowa. She grew up on a working dairy farm, which cultivated her passion for nature. Marian Graduated from Waukon High School and Iowa State University with a Home Economics degree. After graduation Marian married Herb G. Sargeant in Waukon, Iowa on July 7, 1956.

They moved from Iowa to Wilmington, DE after their honeymoon. As time went on, they then moved to North Carolina, Tennessee, Holland and back to Newark, Delaware.

Marian was a 6^th grade teacher, a baker for the Newark school system, homemaker and a volunteer for Ashland Nature Center and Hagley Museum. She also was a member of the Delaware Camera Club. Marian was active in theatre performing in many plays with the Chapel Street Players, Wilmington Drama League, Unitarian Players, and most recently performing at Cokesbury Village. She was a member of the First Unitarian Church of Wilmington. Marian sang in the choir and participated in many other clubs. First Unitarian Church members were her family! She also was a lifelong crafter and seamstress.

Marian and husband Herb were avid travelers around the country and the world. Her favorite place to visit was Arizona and its Grand Canyon.

She was predeceased in death by her partner and love of her life husband Herb G. Sargeant and son Jeffrey G. Sargeant.

She is survived by her daughter Heather L. Sargeant of Westerly RI, granddaughter Samantha M. King of Providence RI, grandson Patrick J. King of Steamboat Springs CO, brother John H. Simmons of Waukon IA and many cousins, nieces and nephews all around the Midwest and California.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on August 30th at the First Unitarian Church, 730 Halstead Rd, Wilmington, DE at 1:00pm. A small reception will immediately follow the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to either the First Unitarian Church, Hagley Museum or the Ashland Nature Center.

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Funeral Services

In lieu of flowers please make donations to either the First Unitarian Church, Hagley Museum or the Ashland Nature Center.

Condolences

Lorraine Lacsny lit a candle and writes,

I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work with Marian as part of the handwork group at Hagley. She was kind, funny, and talented and had a wonderful smile.

08/15/2024 03:20 pm

Susan Lowry Hare lit a candle and writes,

I knew Marion through Hagley Museum's Handwork group. She enjoyed crafting and socializing with those in the group. She was devoted to her her husband and would share that she would visit him frequently as he required a lot of care at Cokesbury. We both enjoyed photography and we would talk of our love of that hobby. She will be missed!

08/15/2024 07:49 pm

Marilyn K Hyte writes,

I've known Marion for many years at church. My condolences to her family, she will be missed by all

08/16/2024 11:34 am

Nancy Iannuzzelli writes,

Marian was always a welcoming member of the First U U Congregation choir prior to COVID when I was member. She always had a smile and a cheerful demeanor that I appreciated. Neither of us rejoined the choir after COVID, but once Ray and I returned to church for services after COVID, she continued to be a welcoming and cheerful presence. I shall miss her.

08/16/2024 11:57 am

Linda Sanders writes,

I'm saddened by the sudden loss of Marion. I have many fond memories of her quick wit and kind soul. I'll miss her in our poetry workshops with Rev. Larry. I'm so sorry that i will be traveling in Germany and will miss her celebration of life. I know how much she loved to travel, so I think she'll understand. Love to her family

08/16/2024 12:17 pm

Beverly Bach lit a candle and writes,

I met Marian at the Delaware Nature Society in the 1980s. She introduced me to First U and gave me a tour of the RE wing. My former husband and I joined the church and our children participated in RE. I’m very grateful to Marian for introducing me to the church. She was a wonderful friend, and I will miss her. My condolences to her family.

08/16/2024 10:52 pm

Crystal E. Barker writes,

I am so sorry Heather. Your Mom was so sweet and kind. I hope her memories bring you comfort during this difficult time. Warm Regards, Crystal

08/19/2024 03:25 pm

Joan Ferguson writes,

Our condolences to the family. “Cherish the memories “ Joan and Hugh Ferguson

08/20/2024 03:08 pm

Mimi Priest-Benedict lit a candle and writes,

I will miss Marian greatly. We sang in the First UU choir together, fellow sopranos, for many years. I don't know where she got the energy--always volunteered to help with everything. We often laughed at ourselves. Many, many, deep hugs. She also loved Scott Ward, and I have so many wonderful memories of those years. Her crazy jokes. The epic turquoise jewelry. She was strong and a real sweetheart. Peace, Marian.

08/20/2024 04:13 pm

Tracy Spinka-Doms lit a candle and writes,

I sang with Marian in the choir. She had one of the brightest souls and kindest hearts. Her quick wit and sense of humor always made me laugh. I will miss her hugs, her smiles, and her laugh. She will be missed.

08/23/2024 11:16 am

Bobbi Collat Budin writes,

Marion was one of my favorite Sunday school teachers, and an overall wonderful person. She was a very good, kind, patient friend to my mother, Mary, who passed last year. She was always kind and thoughtful to our family. Condolences to her family.

08/23/2024 04:54 pm

Joan W. Priest writes,

Marian was a dear friend. We met in the 1960's in the middle of the Mississippi River on a steamboat cruise sponsored by the Society of Chemical Engineers to which our husbands belonged. Herb and Marian were living in Tennessee at a different plant site from where my husband John worked so this was our very first time meeting. Marian was tall and beautiful and elegantly dressed that summer day. Years later we reconnected at the First Unitarian Church and the Ashland Nature Center. We shared a love of nature and independent thinking. I delighted in her love of adventure and wicked sense of humor. She enjoyed drama and music and sang with my husband and daughter in the First U choir. I will miss her greatly.

08/27/2024 05:44 pm

Nicole Zemori lit a candle and writes,

So sorry to hear of Marian’s passing. We had planned to meet in October when I traveled to the States. My husband and I met Marian and Herb at a photographic seminar, a winter in Yellowstone . We always stayed in touch since. I will miss her very much.

10/15/2024 04:16 pm

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