Marie F. Grover (nee Lonergan) passed away peacefully in her Fishtown home on April 27, 2023, at the age of 103.  Beloved wife of the late Charles J.  Devoted mother of Gerald F. (Eileen), Marie F. McCarthy (the late David J.), and the late Charles V. (Kay) and Frances A. Garvey.  Dear Grandmom of 13 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and 10 great great grandchildren; also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and extended family and friends.

Marie was born on October 1, 1919 in Northern Liberties.  She was the 4th child of 11 siblings.  As the 2nd oldest girl, Marie was charged with taking care of her younger siblings.  Unbeknownst to her parents, she would often drag them up to the roof on their home on Front Street to play house, dolls or whatever she schemed up that day! Marie attended Immaculate Conception Grade School and St. Peter's Commercial Business School.

Marie, a lifelong resident of Fishtown, married "Grover" at 19 years old.  Family, Church and the Community were a central focus for Marie and Grover while raising their four children. They opened their hearts and their home to every one of their nieces and nephews, treating them as their own.

Marie was widowed at a young age and went to work at Provident National bank, eventually becoming supervisor of the Lockbox Division.  She worked there until retirement in 1984. While in retirement Marie enjoyed traveling, most notably to Israel, Egypt, Ireland and Germany.  She particularly loved flying in a helicopter to the top of a glacier in Alaska at 90 years old.   Additionally, she was known for her baking, especially her chocolate chip cookies, scones, donuts, and blueberry muffins.  Marie knew how to set a beautiful table and host a party!

In the final years of her life, Marie made international news at age 100 when she was sent a birthday greeting from "The Rock", her all time favorite celebrity.   For the next 3 years she looked forward to her annual birthday song from her "special actor grandson"!

Marie made aging look easy, being spry and young at heart with a smile on her face and always laughing.  She was incredibly welcoming and loving, making every person she came in contact with feel special. Marie had a true zest for life, and led a life well lived.

Relatives and friends are invited to her gather Sunday, May 7, 2023, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM and also Monday, May 8, 2023, 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM at Burns Funeral Home, 1428 E. Columbia Avenue, Philadelphia , followed by her memorial service 11:00 AM.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to  St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or a charity of your choice in Marie's memory.