Wilma Marilyn Thrush's Obituary
Marilyn passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side on July 10, 2026 at the age of 97. She was surrounded by love from her children and grandchildren who had visited her over the preceding few days.
Marilyn grew up in Toledo, Ohio. She was an only child, but enjoyed a close relationship with her cousins. She enjoyed many family gatherings and summers in Elliston, Ohio. She went to Thomas A. DeVilibiss High School in Toledo, Ohio, and Davis Business College. After graduation, she worked as a secretary for a roofing company.
Marilyn met Carl J.Thrush, the love of her life, in her early 20s. They were married in 1951. They started their family in Napoleon, Ohio, before relocating with the Campbell Soup Company to Cinnaminson, N.J. in 1963. They had an extremely happy 44 year marriage until Carl’s death in 1995.
Marilyn and Carl often rode their bikes to the Delaware River and Strawbridge Lake in Moorestown, N.J. They enjoyed being outdoors walking or swimming at the beach or lake. After Carl retired they began to travel and enjoyed many overseas trips, visiting a number of countries, enjoying the different cultures and food. A trip to the Holy Lands was a treasure for her.
Marilyn was involved in many organizations, often taking the leadership role. She was a member of the Porch Club and Treasurer for Central Baptist Church for many years. She taught Sunday School and was a volunteer at the Baptist Home. She liked line dancing and often led the sessions. She was an accomplished pianist and used her skill to play at church and with Carl’s quartet.
Card playing was another activity that Marilyn participated in. She was an avid bridge player with her own group, but was often sought after to substitute for others. She definitely enjoyed a friendly competition and passed that on to her children and grandchildren. Annual “Spoons” card games during vacations with the family at the beach were a highlight for her as well as the family.
Even though Marilyn said she didn’t enjoy crafts, she was a knitter and could crochet. She also macraméd many beautiful plant hangers. Gardening was another pastime for Marilyn. She had quite the green thumb for her plants both inside and outside at her home. She loved when her family would gather at her home in Cinnaminson and would prepare her special dishes her family loved and looked forward to on those occasions.
Marilyn enjoyed reading throughout her life and continued to lose her self in a good story. The large print section of Haddon Heights Library knew her well! She liked to read her daily devotions and found comfort in her Bible. She had a strong Christian faith and loved the LORD, felt comfort with his many blessings in her life. She was a very active member of Central Baptist Church, Riverton, NJ for over 60 years.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Carl J. Thrush, and is survived by her daughters : Janet Dagrosa (Stephen), Brenda Tichacek (Chris), Marlene Knell (Chris), Her grandchildren : Sarah Kijewski (Rob), Stephen Dagrosa Jr., Kevin Dagrosa
(Christina), Karla Parnagian (Brian), Gregor Knell (Zahabya), Christopher Tichacek, Morgan Hornstra (Chris), Nichole Tichacek, Her great grandchildren : Cooper Kijewski, Addie Kijewski, Martin Parnagian, Francesca Parnagian, and Michael Hornstra. Her nephew : Ron Thrush (Sondra) and cousin : Janie Stuckman (Ralph)
As she entered her 90s, Marilyn required more care. Her family would like to thank Cambridge Senior Living staff for the wonderful care they provided to her.
Marilyn’s kind and caring nature throughout her life was evident in her quick response to help out and lend a hand to others. People were drawn to her comforting way and quiet understanding. She truly lived her life with grace and thoughtfulness.
Memorial donations may be made in Marilyn’s honor to The American Heart Association.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Wilma's viewing on Thursday, July 16th, 2026, from 10am - 10:30am, followed by a celebration service at 10:30am in Central Baptist Church, located at 514 Maple Ave, Palmyra, NJ, 08065. Wilma will be reunited with the love of her life, Carl (1995), in Lakeview Memorial Park immediately following the service.
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