Marilyn Evelyn Love

Marilyn Evelyn Love, age 92, of Toms River, New Jersey passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 27, 2022. Marilyn was born in Philadelphia PA on June 1, 1930 to Harry and Thelma Usher, and was the younger sister of Harry Wayne. She attended Olney High School in Philadelphia, and later worked as a keypunch operator at General Insurance. In 1954 Marilyn married Robert Love, and they began their family in Northeast Philadelphia, where their two children Thomas and JoAnn were born. Eager to find a quieter, more rural place to live, her family then moved to Toms River, New Jersey in 1963.

Marilyn led an active and diverse life, including being a Cub Scout Den Mother and a leader of the St. Josephs Angels Majorettes Team. She was a member of the Toms River Little League Ladies Auxiliary, and served as a substitute teacher at St Joseph's Grade School. Marilyn looked forward to summer vacations with her family and friends at Lake Wallenpaupack PA, Chincoteague VA, Saylorsburg Cottages PA, Brigantine NJ, and Wildwood Crest NJ. She was also fond of day trips to New York City, running in local mile races, and provided vocal support in musical jam sessions with her husband Robert and son Tom. Marilyn was an active member of St. Joseph's Parish. Animals always played an important part in her life, and she enjoyed volunteering at the Dover Township Animal Shelter and helping care for horses at Canter Creek Stables in Jackson. Marilyn owned many pets throughout her life, growing up with her pup Mitzy in Philadelphia, to her beloved dog Toby, a faithful companion in her later years.

Throughout her life, Marilyn had an affinity for horse racing at Garden State Race Track, Monmouth Park and the Meadowlands. Many summer afternoons were spent at Freehold Raceway with her family and grandson Daniel, who developed a friendly connection with the harness drivers.

Marilyn is preceded in death by her husband Robert, her parents Harry and Thelma Usher, her brother Harry Wayne Usher; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, and her precious dog Toby.

Marilyn is survived by her two children, three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren: JoAnn Pitre and husband Eddy Pitre (Daniel McGann); Thomas Love and wife Debbe Love (David Love and wife Amanda Love and daughters Mercedes, Alexis and Loreley, and son Brennan); Adrianna Love Balog and husband Bradley Balog (daughter Cosette and son Atreyu). She is also survived by many extended family members and friends.

A visitation and celebration of Marilyn's life will be held on her birthday, Thursday,

June 1, 2023 from 4 pm until the funeral service at 5:30 pm at Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main St., Toms River. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Marilyn's name to Canter Creek Stables, 90 Cedar Swamp Road, Jackson NJ 08527.