Marlene Margaret Chmill, of Raritan Township, NJ, died peacefully on Saturday, January 16, 2021 at home, surrounded by her loving and devoted family, and under the caring watch of Hunterdon Hospice.

Born in Passaic, NJ, September 24, 1948, Marlene grew up in Lodi, NJ and had formerly lived in Ringoes, NJ prior to moving to Raritan Township several years ago.

For many years Marlene worked as an accounts payable clerk for the Hunterdon Medical Center, Raritan Township, NJ. She was well known for her inviting smile and calming voice.

A woman who was always on the go, Marlene was a caregiver from her childhood. Growing up with a brother who had special needs, and being raised by a single mother, Marlene gained a unique perspective into how tough life could be; however, her optimistic and do-anything-for-others nature would never be destroyed. She was her brother’s protector from the bullies and her mother’s right hand in helping to keep their house a home. This always ‘rise to the occasion’ attitude would become a hallmark of her later years.

In the late 1970’s Marlene’s world would change for the better when at a polka dance, a young Andrew Chmill would ask her to dance. Since her date for the dance that evening did not wish to dance, Marlene took Andrew’s hand and they danced the night away! It was true love for them both, and their personalities complimented each other well. They would have two sons, Brian and Stephen, who were the light in Marlene’s eyes…well of course until they made her a grandmother, which truly kept her on cloud nine all the time.

Sadly, it was in 2005 that Andrew passed away after a battle with Multiple Sclerosis, a battle which saw Marlene serving not only as a devoted wife, but also a faithful caregiver who stood by his side every step of the way. That caregiving role also had her as the protective sister who looked after her brother, Eric, until his death in 2020. She was a true, natural-born caregiver who just simply did whatever she could for others.

A bowler, she was involved with several bowling leagues over the years at West Hunterdon Lanes. She enjoyed seeing various shows and productions; Medieval Times with Eric and the family was a place where many happy memories were made. She also enjoyed traveling, especially to see Stephen when he moved to the West Coast.

It would be an understatement though, to not include a separate paragraph about her two granddaughters, Haley and Ashlyn, whom Marlene’s world revolved around. There was nothing she would not do for them, and they will forever know that they were her light and joy.

In addition to her husband, Andrew, and her brother, Eric, she was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents who helped raise her, Jacob and June Fatzer; her paternal grandmother, May Anderson; her cherished mother, Lillian Fatzer Anderson; and a cousin, Raymond Fatzer.

Surviving are her sons and daughters-in-law, Brian and Erin Chmill and Stephen and Kristine Chmill; her adored granddaughters, Haley and Ashlyn Chmill, and their little sister who is due in May 2021; her cousins, Barbara and Dennis Entwistel, Joanne and Gus Caccavone, and George and Carol Fatzer; several extended family members; and many friends made throughout the years.

Marlene will lie in repose on Friday, January 22, 2021 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. in the Chapel of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

A Mass of Christian Burial officiated by Rev. Matthew Marinelli will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. at St. Magdalen Church, 105 Mine Street, Flemington, NJ.

Following mass, Marlene will be laid to rest at St. Magdalen Cemetery, North Main Street, Flemington, NJ, next to her beloved husband, Andrew.

Kindly remember that given the current state of the pandemic, masks must be worn at all times on funeral home, church, and cemetery grounds, and social distancing must be maintained. Please follow the instructions of the Wright & Ford Care Team Family Ambassadors upon arrival at each location.

You are encouraged to visit Marlene’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a candle of hope, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of her life.

For those who wish to honor Marlene’s memory, memorial contributions may be made to Hunterdon Hospice, 215 NJ-31, Flemington, NJ 08822, or online by clicking HERE

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”