Obituary of Marguerite C. Phelps

Marguerite C. Phelps, a lifelong resident of National Park, New Jersey, went home to be with the Lord on Good Friday, March 30, 2018, after a long and courageous battle surrounded by her loving family.  She was 51.

Legacy

Marguerite had a deep and personal faith in her Lord, Jesus Christ.  Despite 30 years of progressive suffering with systemic lupus and other complications, she was known as a generous and selfless woman.  Marguerite had a heart of gold.  

Faith was the foundation for Marguerite’s life.  She became the organist at St. Matthew’s Church in National Park as a young girl.  Even when she was no longer a parishioner there, she continued playing the organ for funeral masses for many years.  Her love of God led her to Bible School and other church related activities, but more often than not, it led her to befriend the elderly, helping them in their daily lives.

After God, Marguerite loved her family.  As a child, she loved fishing with her dad and her Uncle Bill.  She loved spending family vacations in Brigantine, Myrtle Beach and the Outer Banks.  She loved family barbecues in the backyard of her parents’ house gathered around the pool.  She was a devoted caregiver to her father, grandmother and a great aunt in their times of need.  She especially loved her nieces and nephews, always doing something extra special for them for birthdays, holidays and other events.

Marguerite was talented in many different areas.  She was a talented crafter and her family and friends marveled at her works of beauty, whether it was crochet items or cakes that she lovingly decorated.  She was an excellent cook who loved bringing new recipes to the dinner table.  She was known for a new cranberry creation for each Thanksgiving.  Marguerite also loved to read the classics and see musicals and plays with her mother at the Broadway Theater in Pitman.  

Born in Woodbury, NJ, Marguerite was a 1984 graduate of Gateway Regional High School and a 1986 graduate of Gloucester County Community College.  In High School, Marguerite was active in the marching band and concert band, playing the clarinet.  She sang in the Concert Choir, Madrigals and Jazz Choir, and participated in the school musical each spring.  Marguerite was also nominated for the Junior Miss pageant.  

 Family

Beloved daughter of Lois M. (nee Biggs) Phelps and the late Michael J. Phelps, Sr.; loving sister of Michael J. (Judy) Phelps, Jr.,  Rebecca A. (Armond) Viola, Mark J. (Debra) Biggs and the late Lois D. Sprowl; dear sister in law of Brian Sprowl;  loving aunt of Armond, Julia, Jaclyn, Jordan, Maria and Michael, III.

 Farewell Tribute

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Marguerite's viewing on Thursday, 6:30 - 9:00 PM and Friday, 9 - 10 AM at the McGuinness Funeral Home, 34 Hunter Street, Woodbury, NJ where the Funeral Ceremony will be held at 10 AM.  Interment Hillcrest Memorial Park, Sewell, NJ.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The Angels Community Outreach located in at 334 South Broadway, Pitman, NJ 08071.  They can be contacted at 856-625-8652 or by going to their website at www.angelsofgod.