Marian W. Gaum, 100, of Waretown, died peacefully on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at CentraState Medical Center in Freehold.  Born and raised in Morrisville, she was a 1940 graduate of Morrisville High School.  She later attended Mercer County Community College and Rutgers.  She enjoyed the many years she spent living in Cream Ridge before moving to Skippers' Cove in Waretown, a home she loved for 37 years. Marian worked with her husband, Ernest, to build the family business, Ernest Gaum, Inc. Tools, Dies, and Specialty Equipment where she served as Vice President and bookkeeper.  During this time, she was active with the Ladies Business of New Jersey and was an associate member of the Machinist Guild.

In their free time, Marian and Ernest raised Appaloosa horses.  They also enjoyed traveling, especially to Germany, Austria, and South Africa to visit family.  They took many road trips with their children to visit other states and loved to fly their Cessna, taking several trips to the Bahamas to visit friends.

Marian was extremely artistic.  She was a talented weaver, raising sheep for their wool that she would spin and weave.  Over the years she taught many weaving classes at MCCC, Rutgers, and in her home.  She also enjoyed ceramics and pottery and would teach her friends how to make porcelain dolls from start to finish.

Marian was very active in her communities.  She volunteered for the Trenton State orphanage and was a trained American Red Cross Aide, serving during and after WWII.  She was a longtime member of Trenton Ladies Society, the Allentown Villagers, and Friends of the Yellow Meeting House.  She was also active with the Waretown Methodist Church, the Skippers' Cove Ladies Club, Peaceful Shores Quilting Club, Yardville Heights Bowling Team, and the Weavers Guild, where she won many awards.

Above all, Marian loved to entertain both family and friends. She would often have her neighbors over for swimming parties and movie nights and loved to have large family dinners.

Marian was predeceased by her parents, Robert and Myrtle Walter; her husband, Ernest F. Gaum; her granddaughter, Briana Rose Gaum, son-in-law, David F. Marsh and by four sisters.  Marian is survived by her daughter, Linda Gaum Marsh; her son, Ryan Gaum; stepson, Robert Gaum and his wife Sheryl; grandchildren, Danalyn Marsh Byrne and her husband, Tim; Shannon Ryan Gaum and her husband, Omer Rahsan, Todd Gaum, and Julie Gaum; great grandchildren, Carly Ryan Byrne, Kaci Rose Byrne, and Neva Rose Rashan; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A viewing will be held Monday, July 17th from 4-6pm at the Peppler Funeral Home, 114 S. Main St., Allentown, NJ.  Burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Marian's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital ( www.stjude.org ) or to the American Red Cross ( www.redcross.org )