Marion Vivian Berish Denniston

Obituary For Marion Vivian Berish Denniston

Marion Vivian Berish Denniston, 99, of Apex, North Carolina formerly of La Plata, Maryland passed away peacefully on December 21 at The Reserve at Mills Farm.

She was born to parents Stephen and Florence Niezgoda Berish on July 22, 1924, in Carteret, New Jersey. She graduated from New Brunswick High School in NJ in 1942.

Marion met the love of her life, Raymond S. Denniston Jr. in 1939 on the school bus they shared every day. She was a freshman and Ray was a junior. They were married while Ray served in the US Navy on June 18, 1943, in North Brunswick, NJ. After WWII, they moved to nearby Milltown, NJ where they raised 2 children: Raymond Denniston III and Donna-Jeanne Denniston Prybeck.

Prior to marriage Marion had a passion for helping those in need and was the 1st Captain of an all-girls ambulance squad in North Brunswick, NJ.

After marriage, Marion was employed as a NJ Bell Telephone operator. Later she was an entrepreneur when she and Ray started a seasonal Christmas stocking business Denny Novelties with the Montgomery Ward Company in 4 states. The business focused on hand-personalized Christmas stockings with glue and glitter.

After several successful years, she exited the Christmas business and transitioned Denny Novelties into a weekend antique shop at The Golden Nugget Antique & Flea Market, Lambertville, NJ. Here she and Ray sold antique furniture, glassware, porcelains, trains, and memorabilia. After Lambertville, she opened an antique shop in Rahway, NJ, and did tag and estate sales. After Ray retired they moved to La Plata, Maryland where they resided for 38 years.

Marion enjoyed many passions and hobbies through the years. In Milltown, NJ she was Milltown's first Cub Scout leader, First President of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary-A. Leigh Pardun Post, Past President of the Milltown Women’s Republican Club, Member of the Milltown Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary and Middlesex County Board of Elections.

While living in New Jersey, Marion was a contestant on one of America's first TV game shows. "Number Please" with Bud Collier. She won 4 rounds winning multiple prizes including a luxury trip to Sun Valley, Idaho for her and Ray.

While living in La Plata, Marion was very active in various roles in Christ Episcopal Church. She served as Past President of the Episcopal Christian Women, Sacristan, Wedding coordinator, Vestry member, and the Chairperson for the annual spaghetti dinners. It was at the spaghetti dinners which Marion organized that Ray on the piano, with his small band of seniors called the "Angli-cats", entertained a sold-out crowd with "Golden Songs of Yesteryear".

Marion's other passions included the Charles County Garden Club where she was past president and assisting Ray with the Thomas Stone Chapter of the S.A.R.. For her efforts, she received the Martha Washington Medal for outstanding service. She also shared a love of entertaining friends and card playing which she did weekly by hosting her luncheon card group.

Marion is survived by her sister Adele Berish Wittenberg, Hampton, NJ, Daughter Donna Denniston Prybeck and husband Frank, Susquehanna, Pa, Granddaughter Devon Prybeck Furr and husband Kevin, Cary, NC, Grandson Stephen Prybeck and wife Lauren, Pennington, NJ, Grandson Ryan Prybeck, Nazareth, Pa. and Daughter in law Sue Kahn Denniston.

Marion was blessed with 3 Great- grandchildren, Caroline Elizabeth, Elliana Rae, and Julian Flynn, and several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her devoted spouse of 65 years, Ray, her son Ray (Ron), and her parents Steve and Florence Berish.

The family has entrusted Arehart-Echols with the arrangements.

Viewing and service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church at 10:30 am Wednesday, December 27. Rev. Dr.Kate Heicher will officiate the service.

Interment to follow at Mount Rest Cemetery, La Plata.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Marion to Christ Episcopal Church, 112 Charles St. La Plata, Md. 20646

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