Marion Zoe DeMato

It is with deep sorrow to announce the passing of our beloved Mother, Marion Zoe DeMato. Marion departed this life peacefully on May 25, 2024, at 84 years old. Marion was born on December 14, 1939, in Plainfield, NJ, to Adelard Jean and Marion Lambert (nee Houghton). She was the youngest of three and grew up in Dunellen, NJ, with her two brothers, Jean, and Thomas. They enjoyed many summers at the family shore house in Ortley Beach, and Marion loved these times as a little girl, with her cherished father, the light of her life.

She was predeceased by her parents, Adelard Jean, and Marion; brother, Thomas; and oldest daughter, Brigitte. She is survived by her son, Bryan DeMato, New Bern, NC; daughter, Lisa DeMato, Glen Gardner, NJ; daughter-in-law, Cali Alexander; brother, Jean Lambert, Middletown, NJ; and many nieces and nephews around the world.

Marion worked in the construction industry for most of her career, where she was the friendly voice on the phone with a charm and a can-do attitude for everyone. She could manage any job, from organizing tandem trucks to transport materials for paving crews, to supplying landscaping and design materials for in-ground pool installations. Marion's customer service was unbeatable. She was "the glue" that held every project together from start to finish. Marion also had an innate skill for accounting and numbers.

In 2003, Marion moved to New Bern, NC for her retirement. There, she used her "flair" to design every detail of her new home. Marion brought new meaning to the words, “tropical” and “jungle print,” which defined her style. The developer was so impressed that he asked to show her home as a model.

Marion was a fiercely independent, self-reliant woman. She was not a typical bird and everyone who met her were touched by her wit and determination. She preferred to be called, “Zoe”, by her fans.

The family of Marion would like to express their sincere gratitude to all the professionals who looked after her. She was treated with kindness and compassion, and the family is deeply grateful. May we always remember her in our hearts, forever. A memorial service will be arranged for late autumn. Zoe will escort us to the Jersey shore, where her most cherished memories will live on into eternity.