A grandmother is a remarkable woman. She's a wonderful combination of warmth and kindness, laughter and love. She overlooks our faults, encourages our dreams, and praises our every success. A grandmother has the wisdom of a teacher, the sincerity of a true friend, and the tenderness of a mother. She's someone we admire, respect and love very much. Who was Marion Kraft? A grandmother. Sundays at the Golden Bell with tea and coffee for everyone (even if you were under age 5), then to Drug Fair for a Toy. Horses, motorcycles & Card games on Georgia Tavern Road,Suzy the amazing poodle, and then came Joy who ate the dashboard in Nanny's car and was NOT such a Joy ! Nanny was a strong willed person, who may have not always been thinking straight, but she was determined. When she wanted to go to the bank she stole our motor home. When she wanted to volunteer at the senior center-she walked,even though it was miles away and along Route 9. When she lost her husband David at an early age, she lived. That's how I will always remember Nanny. She was strong and determined. This is the lesson I learned from my grandmother. No matter what happens in life, stand tall and live. We should all remember that. Thank you Nanny for teaching me that no matter what life brings, we live each day. I love you. - Stephanie

I am very sorry that I was not able to see Aunt Marion before she passed away. I have had a few days to to reflect. The Rosen's and the Kraft´s were and still are an interesting mixture. My father was a bit anti social and a loner. My mother being part of the Kraft family and dominated by two very strong brothers was a very competitive woman and in some ways quite ahead of her time. Aunt Marion became part of the Kraft family offering so much to this strong competitive bunch. What stands out in my mind is how she brought us altogether . Supposedly I was a jewish child, but I really didn´t have much education in that direction. I sure loved to go to the house in Hillside and celebrate Christmas with everyone. I remember that beautiful tree and I wished I could have one! In retrospect I realize that aunt Marion was the force of this rather confused family. I am forever grateful to her for bringing us altogether and making us crazy Rosen's a part of her family.

I am also aware of the fact that she became the sister to my mother, the sister she never had. She softened my mother and helped her not be so competitive. She was an ally for mom and she loved her very much. I have a clear picture of the day Uncle Dave called and said he had bought a farm in Farmingdale, N.J. My parents were both in shock. Uncle Dave and Aunt Marion were a special couple for their generation. They were willing to take chances and follow their dreams, a hard thing to do at that time. This attitude has been a major influence in my life.

I have read the words of some of the Grand children(whom I unfortunately do not know) and what they feel about their Nanny and I want to thank them for giving her so much love and happiness. It pleases me that she was so content at the end of her life and that she was surrounded by so much love.

It is hard for me to confront that she is not here anymore, because she was the last tie to my parents generation. I hope we can learn from her and see the value of the family that we still have. I am grateful to have had Aunt Marion in my life. There is a picture on the funeral parlors web site that has made me think a bit more. It is of my father in the back ground possibly at a church . My father hated family events, but he was there and I know he was there because he loved and respected my Aunt Marion.

I would like to express a very sincere thanks on behalf of our entire family to everyone who has come to pay their respects. I would also like to say a few things about the main reason why we're all here. I'd actually like to do things a little different than usual. Instead of mourning her death, I'd rather celebrate her life. For the people that knew my Nanny well, these objects will forever remind you of her. Klondike bars, Rolos, Twizzlers, black licorice flavored Velamints, a lawn jockey in someone's yard, and chips and salsa. I will remember hearing her trademark knock at the door to drop off Jersey Mikes subs she picked up after having her blonde locks set at her salon. I will always remember her handyman Mark traveling the trails between the Lemon Rd farm and her house to collect his weekly salary of a six pack of Piels. There are many great memories I'm sure that we can all remember of her. Like the time I saw her drive by in Uncle Terry's motor home. We were luckily able to stop her before her attempt to use the bank drive-up window. It was only after issues like this and her attempts at retrieving her mail while in her infamous Grand Am, on the wrong side of the road, facing oncoming traffic on a blind hill that it was time to withhold her driving privileges. If I close my eyes I can almost see her off in the distance shuffelin' down the same blind hill from her house to my mothers house on that March morning wearing just a T-shirt and shorts because her outside thermometer was in direct sunlight. So I'd like to again thank everyone for their thoughts and support during this trying time. Nanny will forever live in my heart and the memories I keep of her

It is with great sadness that I write this. I was fortunate enough to have gotten to know our beloved Nanny Kraft better than most, and like everyone who knew her she left a lasting impression! When I think back to the great childhood my sister, cousins and I had I always remember the "drinking house". The five of us running around playing and always stopping by Nanny's house just next door when we were thirsty where she would serve us drinks and talk to us about whatever we were up to. We were all so lucky to live so close to each other and have so many days full of good times. Of course many of those days would end with Timmy chasing RJ with a baseball bat; but that's another story and RJ probably deserved it atleast most of the time!

In the two years that I was her driver, she and I really bonded and I'm forever grateful for that. So many interesting stories to share; but what I will remember most about her is that she really took the time to listen to people. Something so rare and easily overlooked as most of us are busy with only what's important to us. She was always so thoughtful that way, whenever I spoke with her I was always amazed how well she remembered even the smallest details of conversations we had from years ago. She really paid attention to people.

Although we're all sad to say goodbye, I can't help but focus on all the good times. The long happy life she lived and how we're all better off for having known her. She will truly be missed.

Goodbye Nanny. We all love you and will miss you.

Mom, Nanny, and Nanny Kraft we love you.

Let me begin with Marion growing up on a farm in Buena Vista, Wisconsin. She boasted about how she would ride the plow horse to school, jump off and shoo him back to the farm.

Mom was truly a tomboy who played ball with her three brothers and had a zest for fun excitement and a great sense of humor. She also was my first tennis teacher.

She became a Navy nurse and moved to Great Lakes Pier Naval Hospital in Chicago near the end of WWII. She met my dad Dave there and a whirlwind romance ended up with their marriage and my appearance a year later. Another year and Ron appeared; six years later came Karen her little girl.

Mom reluctantly gave up on her nursing career to raise us and help dad with his growing business. She always had a strict moral code and sense of right and wrong.

Within a few years Ron married Linda, Karen married Ron and they had RJ, Timmy and Tony. I married Barbara and we had Stephanie and Spencer. The grandchildren met every Sunday morning at the Golden Bell diner for breakfast with Nanny and POP. A quick run to Drugfair for toys was inevitable. Mom loved these times and I am sure all the grandchildren remember those times fondly.

As dad passed on, Mom's pleasure came from Ron's successful veterinary practice, my growing our family business with Karen and Karen's enjoying her grandchildren: Skye, Morgan, Hailey, Ryley, Tyler and Landon

Mom was especially pleased to see Stephanie and Jay Wisnicki so happy together. She was delighted to tell everyone Jay played the piano for her; "Anchors Away" her wedding song was her favorite.

Mom was a devoted friend to those she came to know. My Aunt Ruth slowly lost her health and Mom visited her every week for months until she passed. This was not an obligation, it was just what she did.

Mom, you will be loved and remembered by your family and friends forever. God bless you.

Ron we are so sadden to hear of Your Mothers passing. May god bless you and Linda in your time of sorrow. We know she was a very special person and will be missed. Sincerely Al and Shirley