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Marilyn Pratt (Bucko)
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We are sad to share the news that Marilyn Pratt Bucko died on July 14th. We all have great memories of her in Central School, Junior High and High School. Her classic smile, grace, dignity, and enthusiasm for life will long be remembered. The Bradley & Stow Funeral Home in Medford invite friends to gather Tuesday, July 21, from 6 to 7 pm. A memorial service will follow at 7pm. The burial will be private. Her obituary follows.
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After a courageous 15-year battle with ovarian cancer—and truly beating the odds—Marilyn passed on from this life to be with her Lord. She died in her Medford, NJ home on Tuesday, July 14 at the age of 72.
Born December 1, 1947 to Dana and Eunice Pratt, she grew up in Haddonfield and in 1966 graduated from Haddonfield High School where she led the marching band as the head majorette.
In 1970, she earned a degree in elementary education from Beaver College (now Arcadia University) and went on to teach 4th grade in Barrington, NJ for ten years. She then shifted to a career in technology sales, working with Scantron selling computer peripherals and optical scanners for two years.
She married Richard on June 26, 1982 and raised Scott and Clark (d. 1999) in Medford Lakes before moving to Medford in 1994 to make a home in the neighborhood of Deer Brook.
Marilyn had been a long time member of Covenant Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Cherry Hill, an active volunteer and supporter of pro-life causes, a member of the P.E.O Sisterhood, a good neighbor and patriot, and a caring friend to many. She will forever be known for being the consummate hostess who loved her family dearly.
Marilyn is survived by Richard L. Bucko, her husband of 38 years; son Scott (Shannon) Bucko and five grandchildren Mary Katherine, Jacob, Maggie, Esther, and Susie; brother Larry (Priscilla) Pratt and nephews Erich (Stacey) Pratt and Mark (Jennifer) Pratt and nieces Anamarie (Tim) Pattison and Elizabeth Pratt.
Relatives and Friends are invited to greet her family on Tuesday, July 21 from 6:00 – 7:00 PM at BRADLEY & STOW FUNERAL HOME, 127 Medford-Mt. Holly Rd., Medford, NJ. A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday evening at 7:00 PM. A private burial is planned at Park View Cemetery at Kirby’s Mill in Medford.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition: www.ovarian.org or by mail to NOCC Delaware Valley, P.O. BOX 631, Holicong, PA 18928.
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Jane "Jill" Hunter (Burrill)
Marilyn had so many friends in Haddonfield. Each has stories of her thoughtfulness. When Pat Preston's father was promoted/transferred to Massachusetts, mid-junior year, Marilyn's parents invited Pat to stay with Marilyn on Gill Road. Choirmates Vicki Meece and Janet Haynes; parades and games with Carolyn Keck, P.A. and Linda Patchell; Y groups with Annie Sullivan and Linda Vurgason. Marilyn always made room for friends at the lunch table, too.
Marilyn was a sweet, loyal, practical and generous friend; even more so in our later years. She loved her family, church groups, and her community. Holiday meals and happy, accomplished family: all started with Marilyn. Very thoughtful with cards and memories. Her kindnesses were heartfelt and appreciated. She cherished her responsibilities. She did not complain. She helped us a lot as we were losing Cassie.
Thank you, Marilyn. Heaven has Arizona and Rich's beautiful dahlias for you. Sparkling batons and big smiles, MSP. Love you.
Vicki Meece (Knowles)
I spent lots of time watching color TVs upstairs at Marilyn's house. Her dad worked for RCA and evidently was tasked with testing the new color technology because I remember more than one at our disposal. And WIP! For some reason she was a loyal fan of that radio station which was slightly classier than my WIBG; I tried to catch the vib. One of my favorite memories is our mutual inability to comprehend electricity, mass, velocity, any of that physical science stuff being skillfully taught by Mrs. Drake in 7th grade. We were both good students, used to doing well, but honest to God, neither of us had the physics gene which allowed us to comprehend what other students were absorbing effortlessly. We'd outline, we'd highlight, we'd list, we'd memorize until about 11pm the night before the test. Then around 5:30am the next morning, one of us would call the other for a last-minute, survival-of-the fittest review. I think we both walked with B's, which were a gift, truth be told, from Mrs. Drake.
Nelson Widell
I remember sitting with Marilyn and watching Martin Luther King's, "I Have A Dream" speech on the TV in her living room on Gill Rd. on Aug. 28th 1963.
Gale Griese (Butcher)
I loved reading other classmates' memories of Marilyn. I can't possibly describe Marilyn any better than Jill has done. I suppose I differ from the others, though, in that my real friendship with Marilyn began at the 25th reunion. At that point, we reconnected and began communicating: cards (Marilyn's specialty!), phone calls, emails, and finally texts. And boy, did she ever bolster my spirits when I was battling cancer4+ years ago. I will never forget her kindness and compassion then!
Marilyn, I'll miss our summer get-togethers! Rest in peace.
Joan Frantz (Richards)
I am so sorry to hear about Marilyn's passing. In September 1973, I was hired by Avon Elementary School in Barrington to start a Physical Education program for their school. I was very nervous and apprehensive on my first day. I went into the teacher's lounge and there was Marilyn and Jane Allen (HMHS class of 65). They had been working there for some time teaching 4th grade. Marilyn immediatley made me feel welcome and introduced me to the other teachers. My job was to go to the classrooms and pick up my scheduled class and take them out to the playground. Marilyn's student's were always ready and eagerly awaiting my arrival. Her student's loved her and were always very well behaved. I will always be grateful for her friendship and help.
Joan Frantz Richards