Marion M. Read

Marion M. Read, 100, passed away with her children by her side at Baptist Beaches, Mar. 13, 2022, just shortly after her 100th birthday celebration. A 63-year resident of the Beaches, Marion was born Mar. 4, 1922 in Kenosha, WI to Pearl Marie Thorne and Joseph Roettgen. Five years after Joseph died in Dec 1922, Pearl married Charles Baltzore and the family of 8, including siblings, Margaret, Francis, Helen, Mary Jane and Joseph, moved to Waukegan, IL.

Marion attended Glen Flora Elem., Waukegan HS, graduating in 1940, and then completed a 2-yr program in bookkeeping at Lake County College of Commerce. She worked at Abbot Labs, and then moved west, living in Seattle, Coeur d'Alene, ID, San Francisco, and Bakersfield, CA before returning to Waukegan. In 1959, upon marrying Gordon Read, Marion moved to the Beaches where they raised 4 children.

Marion is survived by her children Karen Read Wolfson (Don), Richard Charles Read, and Robert Gordon Read (Donna); grandchildren Jason Read (Maggie), Kymberly Wolfson (Kal Kseib), Erin Wolfson, Lance Wolfson (Sarah), Kristin Rider (Dave), Jenifer George, Ashley Read, Lacey Catoe (Ryan), and Blake Read (Hope); 7 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Gordon, son James Martin Read and wife, Fran, predeceased Marion.

Marion, a member of Beach Methodist Church since 1959, worked in the church office, and attended Sunday School for many years. An outstanding contributor to the Beaches, Marion volunteered in Fletcher HS PTA, Band Parents, Athletic Assoc., and the school library; Back to School with BEAM since 1994 until she was in her 90's.

A strong businesswoman, Marion helped build the Isle of Palms Marina with Gordon and worked there until it sold in 1974. She then worked at APC Press, Great Atlantic Boiler, and with others until age 88.

Marion's life has been built on unbounding love and selfless giving for her family and friends. A woman of unequalled character, her heart-warming smile and ready laughter are forever a tribute.

A celebration will be held Friday., March, 18, 2 PM, Beach Church Historical Chapel, 325 7th Ave. N., Jax Beach.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Beach Church- local missions.

The family expresses deep appreciation to all who loved and cared for Marion.

Arrangement are under the care and direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME In Jacksonville Beach FL.