Marilyn Joan (Sturges) Krussman

Marilyn Joan (Sturges) Krussman, 89, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2025, at the Cadia Rehabilitation Center, Wilmington, DE.

Marilyn was born in Paterson, NJ, in September of 1935.  She was the daughter of the late Harold P. Sturges and Emma G. (Rodger) Sturges.  Marilyn grew up in Clifton, NJ, Baltimore, MD, and then Wilmington, DE, where she graduated from P.S. duPont High School, and received her Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Delaware.

After graduation, Marilyn married Colwyn (Sam) Krussman, a fellow UD Blue Hen, in 1957, and they were happily married for 59 years until Sam’s passing in 2016.  Marilyn and Sam lived in Germany, Pennsylvania, Minnesota, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, before moving back to Wilmington, Delaware to own/operate the Greenwood Book Shop on 9^th Street.  Subsequently, Marilyn worked for Winterthur Museum & Gardens as the bookstore and gift shop manager for 20 years before retiring in 2003.  She then worked at New Castle County’s Woodlawn Library and volunteered as a pre-school aide at The Independence School for many years.

Marilyn’s love of books and reading is one of her best-known obsessions, amassing a large collection of novels, history tomes, illustrative and art books, as well as cookbooks.  She also knitted many special gifts in her life, including baby hats, blankets, and pieces for donation to local charities. Marilyn was a wonderful cook. Her pies were most requested at the family Thanksgiving celebrations and her spaghetti dinners were offered anytime family or friends visited. Her home was always welcoming, warm, and full of love.

Marilyn also enjoyed spending time at her beloved lake, Pine River Pond, in New Hampshire.  She and Sam made many trips there for annual family summer vacations as well as some visits in the winter. She loved to be at the lake with her sister and best friend, Ginny Covert, as well as brother-in-law Ted, niece Amy Bloom (Glenn), nephew Harold Covert, and their children.  It was her happy place as her children, Eric, Fritz, and Rodger grew, then as her grandchildren joined the family, and she continued the annual visits into the last year of her life.

Marilyn was active in her community, devoting time as a member of the Soroptimist International, Old Swedes’ Church, and Sister Cities – Wilmington.  She was very proud of her annual participation in the planning and planting of the Sister Cities gardens located in Wilmington’s Brandywine Park as well as fund-raising for the scholarship program for students visiting from one of Wilmington’s five sister cities.

Marilyn’s lifelong love of travel took her and Sam to Germany and many other countries throughout Europe, where they explored the cultures and learned the history of those places. They especially loved to travel with friends and family to various places within the US as well as adventures abroad.

Marilyn was a devoted spouse, loving sister, compassionate mother, proud grandmother, and loyal friend. She always had an ear for any of us, as well as making sure birthday cards and gifts were sent to all.  Marilyn was a rock of warmth, caring, and support, and will be missed beyond measure.

Marilyn is predeceased by her parents, Harold and Emma; husband, Colwyn Samuel; and survived by her sister Virginia Covert (Ted); and sons Eric (Marit), Fritz (Wendy), and Rodger (Christy).  She will also be dearly missed by her grandchildren Bryant, Justin (Lauren), Jenna, Megan, and Jens, as well as many Covert, Bloom, and Krussman family members.