Obituary of Marie R. Pharo

Marie R. Pharo, 77, of West Creek, NJ, passed away peacefully Saturday, December 31, 2016 at Southern Ocean Medical Center surrounded by family. Born in Philadelphia to Allen G. and Mary E. Adams (née Geyer), she moved with her family to West Creek, NJ, in 1952 where she met and later married the love of her life, Roger F. Pharo, Sr. An outstanding writer and artist, she had a gift for finding just the right words to convey her innermost feelings and could draw just the right caricature or personalized cartoon to lift your spirits or to celebrate an accomplishment. She was known for her creativity and artistic flair, whether it was constructing the perfect Halloween costume or baking amazing birthday cakes in the shape of animals, cars, musical instruments and even Cookie Monster. Fortunately, her artistic legacy lives on today through her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A perennial optimist, she always saw the best in people even when they were at their worst. Compassionate and generous, she took people into her home and cared for them even while raising her own growing family. She routinely put the needs of others ahead of her own and never thought of this as a chore, but more as a moral responsibility. Later in life, as a nursing assistant, she would volunteer her time to sit with terminally ill patients who had no family members, holding their hand as they passed. So, how very fitting that her daughter held her hand as she passed... God's last earthly gift to Marie before calling her home. She was pre-deceased by her loving husband of 48 years, Roger, her parents Allen and Mary Adams, brothers John and Benjamin Adams and sister Ann Holloway. She leaves behind cherished memories and a loving legacy including her brother Allen Adams (wife Edna); her son Roger F. Pharo, Jr. (wife Frances); daughter Susan L. Hafler (husband Joseph); son Jeffrey S. Pharo (wife Shirley); son Jason S. Pharo (wife Isabella); grandchildren Justin, Heather, Sarah, Jeremy, Kyle, Kristyn (husband Ray), Nicole, Zackary, Kaitlynn, Amanda, and Gabriella; and great-grandchildren Tyler, Julia, Ava, Ethan, and Remy. The family would like to express their sincerest appreciation to the doctors and nursing staff at Southern Ocean Medical Center and Meridian at Home Hospice for their compassion and professionalism. In addition, a special thanks to Fresenius Kidney Care for over six years of quality dialysis care. Memorial contributions may be made in Marie's name to Meridian at Home Hospice. Marie's son found this inspirational quote written on a piece of scrap paper in her desk: "The closer we get to Heaven's Gate - the straighter we walk up the path." - Marie R. Pharo At 11:40 PM on December 31st, 2016, she walked straight up the path into Heaven. Cremation is private and a service will be planned for a later date.