Marion Bright of Wilson Ave. Kingston died Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at her home. She was 84.
Marion celebrated her birthday on New Years Day. She was the daughter of the late William and Zelma Govan Bright. Separated from her family when she was five years old, Marion's life goal was to locate her family.
Formerly of Wassaic, NY, Marion moved to ARC's Palmer House in the 1980's. Her dream of living in her own home with her own room was realized 5 years ago when Marion moved to Wilson Avenue.
Over the years Marion worked at Pilot Industries at Pecora where she met many wonderful friends. Her name personified her spirit. She touched the lives of many simply by wanting more for herself. We will surely miss her quiet dignity and her comforting presence.
Marion was able to link her family genealogy to the Govan family. Marion drove to Maryland for a family reunion. Upon her arrival there, she was embraced with open arms, shared stories and memories of loved ones. She was honored with the award "Oldest Family Member to Attend the Reunion." Marion learned about her family history, met the family genealogist and learned of a cousin named "Mary Bright". The family dined, danced, laughed, and shared in a weekend that will live on in Marion's memory. The most wonderful part of this reunion story is that Marion has kept in touch with a particular part of the family from New Jersey. They recently invited her to join them for Thanksgiving. The entire experience had been life changing for Marion, and she often looked at her pictures from the weekend to remember their reunion.
Aside from her loving ARC family and Wilson Ave. staff, Marion is survived by her dear cousin Barbara Govan of New Jersey (with who she shared Thanksgiving), her cousin Marva Govan (who was instrumental in connecting Marion to the Govan family.)
Marion was predeceased by her foster grandmother, Julia Wright, her cousin, Emma Reid, her lifelong best friend May Emergh, her loving friends and advocates Mary Kent and Jackie Waterman.
There will be calling hours at Simpson Gaus Funeral Home, 411 Albany Ave. on Friday from 9:00 am 10:30. At 10:45 am a service of sharing in celebration of Marion's life will be offered by Bob Gaus. Friends and family are encouraged to bring their favorite stories and memories of Marion to share during the service. Interment will follow in Montrepose Cemetery.