Marilyn C. Groome

Marilyn C. Groome, 91, daughter of Dr. Rocco and Emma Cleffi was born on July 19, 1931 in Dover, NJ and died in Neptune, NJ on Christmas Day 2022. She was a graduate of Dover High School and Sargent College of Boston University (Class of 1952, member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority, degree in Physical Therapy). Marilyn spent her early years as a physical therapist treating patients with catastrophic injuries and illnesses under the tutelage of famed orthopedic surgeon Dr. Henry Kessler at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange, NJ. She capped off her career as a physical therapist for the Livingston, NJ School District. Her love of youth and sports and her training as a therapist also led her to become the first woman athletic trainer in the State of New Jersey. She was affectionally known as “Ma Groome” to many of the athletes she cared for. In recognition of Marilyn’s contributions and dedication to the athletic program at Livingston High School, she was inducted into their Athletic Booster Hall of Fame.

Marilyn met the love of her life, John W. Groome Jr. at Lake Hopatcong, NJ in 1952. They went on to marry and raise their three daughters in Livingston. For 55 years, Marilyn was a member of St. Philomena’s Church where she was an active member of the Rosary Altar Society and, with John, was very involved in the Renew and Cana programs. Marilyn was also an active member in the Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumni Association and a longstanding member of the Livingston Women’s Club, where she was instrumental in establishing a service connection with the Horizon School for Children with Cerebral Palsy.

Marilyn had many interests and loves. She was an accomplished pianist and knitter, a sharp bridge player, and an avid tennis and football fan (especially of Notre Dame). She loved to travel, cruise, and most of all vacation on her beloved Long Beach Island for over 50 years. But even more important, she relished watching her grandchildren’s activities: piano and dance recitals, school plays and any and every sport that they played.

Marilyn is survived by John, her loving husband of 66 years, children Therese (Tom) Patterson, Anne LaBrie, Mary Beth Groome, grandchildren Kristen, Danielle and Tommy Patterson, Kevin (Bethany) and Dylan Murray, Olivia LaBrie, Tony and Nick DiIorio, brother Rocco Cleffi and many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, January 3, 2023 at 10:30am at St. Philomena Roman Catholic Church, 386 Livingston Ave., Livingston, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Marilyn Groome Memorial Fund – Gift Funds for St. Jude (http://giftfunds.stjude.org/Marilyn_Groome).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.quinnhoppingfuneral.com for the Groome family.