Marianne Furman, family matriarch
Marianne Furman, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away Wednesday, March 19, 2025, in Milford. She fought with everything she had until the very end, showing the same strength, grace, and resilience that defined her entire life. Though she is no longer with us, the love she poured into her family will never fade.
Born Aug. 26, 1939, in Livingston, N.J., Marianne was the daughter of Edward Kuntz and Lorraine then, and her loving stepmother, Frances Miller.
Marianne’s love story with her husband, William Furman Jr., was one for the ages. They met in middle school and built a life filled with unwavering devotion, laughter, and adventure. For 66 years, they stood side by side, sharing dreams, building a family, and traveling the world together.
Marianne was the heart and soul of her family—the matriarch whose love knew no bounds.
She graduated from Boonton High School in 1957 and went on to attend business school, where she trained in secretarial work. She co-owned Pioneer Distributors with her husband for 20-plus years, handling bookkeeping and records with remarkable skill.
She adored traveling, especially on cruises with her husband, and her favorite destinations included Myrtle Beach, Disney World, Hungary, Italy, Alaska, Scotland, Ireland, and Mackinac Island.
Those who knew Marianne will remember her impeccable sense of style—always the best-dressed in the room, accessorized to perfection. She believed in looking her best at all times, often saying, "Beauty is pain, pain is beauty," and she never paid full price without searching for a coupon.
She had a deep love for music, finding joy in the voices of Lady Gaga, Andrea Bocelli, Blake Shelton, and the Texas Tenors. She was an avid fan of The Voice, American Idol, and Days of Our Lives.
Her faith was the cornerstone of her life—a guiding light that gave her strength, comfort, and unwavering hope. Even in her hardest moments, she found solace in prayer and believed in the power of love to transcend all things.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved son, William E. Furman, whose loss she carried with unimaginable strength; her dear aunt, Lillian Hayden and the Honorable Frank Hayden; and many family members and friends who went before her. Now, they are reunited, and though our hearts ache, we find comfort in knowing she is at peace.
She leaves behind a family who adored her beyond words, her sister, Lorraine Cintron (Jose Cintron); her children, Michael Furman (Coleen Ingram-Furman), Scott Furman (Stacey Furman) and Leigh-Ann Zerden; her cherished grandchildren, Cassandra Rozsas (Chris Rozsas), Scott Furman Jr., Samuel Furman (Steph Evans), Grace Furman, Sadie Furman, Ryan Furman and Michaela Furman; and her precious great-granddaughter, Peyton Rozsas, who was the light of her life. Her love also extended to many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends who were blessed to know her.
Above all, Marianne was a woman of unmatched compassion, always putting others before herself. She was the best grandmother in the world, a beacon of love and wisdom to her family, and a cherished friend to many.
Though she is no longer earth side, she will forever be with us.. "A grandmother’s love knows no bounds and never fades, even when she is no longer near. It lives on in the hearts of those she cherished, guiding them always."
A viewing will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, March 26, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Hwy., Lewes, followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. Interment will take place following the service at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Milton.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, honoring the fierce love and selflessness that defined her life.
Marianne Furman fought with all her heart, loved with all her soul, and left an imprint on this world that will never be erased. She is deeply missed, beyond what words can express, but her love will forever be our guiding light.
Anyone unable to attend the services may view the livestream at: http://www.parsellfuneralhomes.com/obituaries/permalink/11729654/LTWebcast.
Visit Marianne's Life Memorial webpage at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
