Donetta Gayle Marconi (nee Ellsworth)
Born in Farmington New Mexico to a geologist (Donald) and a nurse (Ruby - Sam to her friends). Donetta spent her early years in the Southwest, mostly Texas; until dad moved the family to New Hampshire, where he received his MBA at Dartmouth.
Dad ended up working on Wall Street, and Donetta grew up in Florham Park. NJ.
She was an only child until age 11, when her brother, Scott, joined the family.
Donetta graduated from Hanover Park High School in 1974, and was off to Georgetown University to major in Italian and minor in Linguistics.
Freshman year she met a boy in the cafeteria. He started a food fight. She was not impressed. The next day she was in philosophy class (front row of course) when the boy walked in. There was some banter about a recent test (she did better; she always did).
He thought that she was really cute, with a great smile.
She thought he was funny.
And so it began.
At Christmas her senior year, her family moved to Denver Colorado. Graduation was in May 1978. The boy (Bill) went back to New Jersey for law school. Donetta followed.
They were married on December 29, 1979.
Donetta gave birth to a daughter, Sarah, on 1982. Meredith followed on 1985, and Samantha on 1987. By then the family called Haddon Township home.
Donetta was a stay at home mom for the most part when the children were young. She took some business classes, she taught some mom/child classes at the local YMCA.
Donetta volunteered when the girls started school. She was active in the PTA. But she was most proud of her years as the volunteer librarian at Stoy School.
When the girls joined the Girl Scouts, she became a Troop Leader. Her planning ability, allowing her troop to earn multiple badges, is legendary in the family.
She was cheerleader for her girls in school, and on the field. Victories were often celebrated with ice cream at Friendly's. Losses consoled, also with ice cream at Friendly's.
Donetta started working for the Haddon Township School District 25 years ago. She started part-time; but eventually went full time with the IT department, responsible for the computers in all five elementary schools. She was proud of the work she did at her schools. She was pleased with the help she could give to the new as well as the established teachers. She was happy with the friends that she made among the teachers and staff. She was looking forward to eventual retirement, but would miss the people.
But most important, and most fulfilling for her, Donetta was mom and wife. She raised her family. She took great joy in their accomplishments. She was thrilled with the birth of her grandchildren, the next generation. She gave guidance when she could, and was always there to just listen when asked. She was our rock, and the center that united us as a family. She will be missed, and always loved.
Beloved wife of William J. Marconi. Devoted mother of Sarah E. Marconi, Meredith M. Williamson (Christopher), and Samantha G. George (Zachary). Loving grandmother of Levi Grey Williamson, Felix Christopher Williamson, Greta Gayle George, and Otto Abele George. Dear sister of Scott Ellsworth and family (Jenny Ellsworth and Catherine Ellsworth).
There will be a visitation Saturday 3pm to 5pm and Sunday 4pm to 6pm at GARDNER FUNERAL HOME, RUNNEMEDE.
Interment private at the request of the family.
In lieu of flowers (although she does love flowers - drive by the house on the way home) Donetta supported a number of charities, including:
-Interfaith Caregivers
https://www.ifchaddons.org/
-Cathedral Kitchen
https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/donatetoCK
-Joseph's House
https://www.jhoc.org/donation-hub
-Westmont Fire Company
https://www.westmontfireco.org/
-Philadelphia Zoo
https://phillyzoo.pivvit.com/donate
Services
Visitation
Runnemede, NJ 08078
Visitation
Runnemede, NJ 08078
What a wonderful lady ! I have had the distinct privilege and pleasure to know Donetta for well over 20 years and each time I saw her was a sweet and memorable visit. Her care and love for her family always of utmost importance to her. A wonderful lady with a wonderful family. I will miss her terribly although I know she will always remain in my thoughts and my heart. Much love to her family. You should always be proud and grateful for having been gifted with Donetta in your lives. Sweet Donetta R.I.P.
Although Donetta was a part of my history I have very warm memories of " Stoy School Days" and all the accompanying school plays and gradutions and her graciously watching Hans in the morning before school when I worked. We would share with concern and humor child rearing issues . She always had a ready smile and an infectious laugh. She was amazingly organized and always involved in your girls lives and activities as well as energic and enthusiastic about her own passions like her flowers. I have been by your house many times even now to see her handiwork and always picture you and Donetta and the girls in your "house on the corner". Donetta was a beautiful woman both inside and out.
Susan
I only had the pleasure of meeting Donetta a handful of times, but speaking with her made me feel like we had been longtime friends! One morning, I was walking my puppy as Donetta was getting into her car to go to work, and my puppy refused to walk on by without greeting her and jumping up to give her kisses. They say dogs know who the good ones are.
I send my sincerest condolences to Donetta’s family and friends.
- Nancianne Aydelotte, neighbor at 204 W Park Blvd.
Donetta was a wonderful person who aws loved by All. She will be greatly missed by our Haddon Township Family. My deepest condolences and prayers.
Donetta was a wonderful colleague and friend. Not only was she skilled at fixing computer issues, and able to guide me to troubleshooting my IT problems, Donetta had so much patience while doing so. Donetta was always ready for a quick joke or humorous story. Her beaming smile and infectious laugh always lifted my spirits. Early in the morning or at lunch we would have time to get caught up on each other's lives and I always enjoyed seeing her and and getting her view of things. Donetta was an amazing woman and friend. I will miss her very much. I will cherish my memories of her and and will keep you in my prayers.
Dear Marconi Family,
I worked with Donetta for 15 years in Township. It was my pleasure to get to know her more and more as each year passed. She raved about her children and especially the grands! You were all the apples of her eye. Donetta was hard working and always helped me in a pinch, especially during testing! Her passing is so sad and my heart goes out to each and every one of you, especially you Bill. I enjoyed reading your tribute to her, so loving, and the picture montage was wonderful. Her smile was radiant, and those cheek bones! Please know she will forever be in our hearts. A donation has been made in her memory to Joseph's House.
Sending hugs from Nevada,
Eileen Loffredo
Beautiful memories of her with her family ❤️She will always be watching over you all 😇
What a beautiful tribute to Donetta. She was so quiet I always admired how she’d slip in quietly and slip out of the classrooms or offices never having said a word. She was such an asset to our district..GOD BLESS HER AND HER FAMILY!❤️
Respectfully,
Patrice Fietto and family
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