Marilyn Jeffrey Strauss, loved opera, traveling

Marilyn Jeffrey Strauss, 92, of Lewes, passed away peacefully Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024. She was born Oct. 25, 1931, in Plainfield, N.J., daughter of the late Gilbert and Elizabeth (Tuers) Jeffrey.

Marilyn was predeceased by her husband, George, whom she met on a blind date set up by her roommate while working in New York City at Conde Nast Publishing for House Beautiful Magazine. They had been married for 64 years. She graduated from Alfred University in 1953 and later earned her master’s in library science at Rutgers University.

Marilyn lived most of her life in New Jersey and proudly called herself a "Jersey Girl.” She was an elementary school librarian in the Piscataway School District, then worked at the New Brunswick Theological Seminary library, part of Rutgers University. She was an avid opera lover, reader, hiker and world traveler. Marilyn and George traveled to the Swiss Alps during the summer for many years. They also traveled all over the world enjoying cultures and cuisines. Marilyn and George were active members of Rutgers University Outing Club and Unitarian Universalist Society in East Brunswick, N.J.

As a longtime member of The Travelers Club, Marilyn explored many subjects and world views. She was also a member of the Women’s League of Rutgers University and the League of Women Voters. Perhaps influenced by the women's movement, she was the creator of the Strauss house rule that on Thanksgiving, the men make the desserts! And there were prizes.

Marilyn was witty; she loved puns, limericks and games. Her presence will be deeply and genuinely missed by all who were fortunate enough to know and love her.

She is survived by her children, Paul Strauss (Rachel) and Barbara Sanders (Larry); her sister, Barbara Neevel (Jim); her four grandchildren; her nine great-grandchildren; one niece; and three nephews.

Visit Marilyn’s Life Memorial webpage and sign her virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.