Marion Britton Assistant regional director, U.S. Census Bureau, New York City, 53, Brooklyn, N.Y. Brother, Paul; half-brother, John She and Waleska Martinez were traveling together to a computer operations conference in San Francisco
Bearing cards, carefully chosen gifts and delectable pastries, Marion Britton never missed a birthday or anniversary and never failed to leave loved ones with full bellies and smiling faces.
"My son used to say she was his fairy godmother," said her brother, the Rev. Paul Britton of Huntington Station, N.Y. "On any holiday, Marion was like a bag lady, pulling out gifts that were precious and something delicious -- Italian or German pastries or New York cheesecakes she'd bring along."
Even after developing borderline diabetes, "she loved to watch other people enjoying the things she could not."
To satisfy nephew Wren Britton's taste in punk music, she haunted tiny Manhattan shops until she found new releases by obscure groups he loved. At the U.S. Census Bureau's regional office in Manhattan, where she was assistant director, she ordered in lunch for the office on busy days.
In her early days with the bureau, she'd drop in on homes to ask government-sanctioned questions, then return to drop off packets of food or clothing for struggling families.
Britton grew up in Queens and worked as an accountant before becoming an enumerator, or door-to-door questioner, for the 1980 census. She loved getting paid to talk to people, and census officials hired her permanently after noting her ability to draw out information. Over the next 21 years, she rose to the regional office's second-highest spot.
Outside the office, she socialized with friends at breakfast gatherings and joined a dining group that roamed the city in search of gourmet dinners. She chose her stylish clothes with care and lined her cozy apartment with eclectic furniture, teddy bears and dolls.
A workaholic, Britton could be blunt, and people who didn't know her well didn't always welcome her frankness, said her boss, Regional Director Lester A. Farthing. But her refusal to back down from a conviction often prompted co-workers "to take another look and to find a better way to do things."
"She could use stinging language and she'd let you know if she thought you were wrong. She could be bitchy -- I was the brunt of it for many years," her brother recalled. "But she did it for your own good. She was kind-hearted and truthful, and you always knew where you stood."
Prayers & Condolences For: Marion Britton BY miyembro on May 25, 2008
Your sacrifice will remain in our hearts for a lifetime,
with intense gratitude. May God bless you and your family.
Rest Safely and Securely in God's Loving Arms.
Prayers & Condolences For: Marion Britton BY Anonymous on Jan 14, 2007
good bless you , oure condoleance from Romania
Prayers & Condolences For: Marion Britton BY Anonymous on Nov 21, 2006
god bless you! Our prayers are with your family. You were a beautiful woman and are now a beautiful angel. rest in peace.
Prayers & Condolences For: Marion Britton BY Anonymous on Nov 05, 2006
may god take her to rest
Prayers & Condolences For: Marion Britton BY Anonymous on Oct 27, 2006
It sounds as if you were being motherly to everyone around you - caring, feisty, and no-nonsense. I'm sure those whose lives you touched will think of you always. May you rest in peace.
Prayers & Condolences For: Marion Britton BY Anonymous on Oct 27, 2006
You are deeply missed. May you rest in eternal peace.
Prayers & Condolences For: Marion Britton BY Anonymous on Oct 20, 2006
i am sorry 2 hear that but wot about the ppl all over the wrld im africa asia EVERYWHERE y dnt ppl do somthing to stop this from happening ppl hu die in much much more sevia condition and cruwle ways n im shure this lovely woman hu has passed away wud like to see us do that .i am only 15 yrs old but a very apinionated young lady and would like YOU to get in touch with me (Email Link)
Prayers & Condolences For: Marion Britton BY Anonymous on Oct 10, 2006
God Bless you and your family.
Prayers & Condolences For: Marion Britton BY padrino on Oct 08, 2006
prayers to all victims of 9/11
Prayers & Condolences For: Marion Britton BY Anonymous on Oct 05, 2006
so sorry
Prayers & Condolences For: Marion Britton BY Anonymous on Oct 03, 2006
a loss to the world
Prayers & Condolences For: Marion Britton BY Anonymous on Sep 14, 2006
May you rest in peace. And condolences to your family. I just learned you were a John Adams graduate of 1965. So am I.
Prayers & Condolences For: Marion Britton BY Anonymous on Sep 13, 2006
You had family you loved and that loved you. Your presence was your contribution. You are missed.