Marjorie "Marge" Hartman Lafferty

Marjorie "Marge" Hartman Lafferty of Kaolin, New Garden Township, PA passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, April 25, 2025. She recently celebrated her 98th birthday. Marge was the wife of the late Philip A. Lafferty, Sr., with whom she shared 62 years of marriage.

Marge was born in Kennett Square, PA, in 1927. She was the daughter of the late Paul and Hazel Mullin Hartman. Marge had many fond memories of growing up in Kennett and of her twelve years of education in the present Kennett High School building. Her favorite memory is from ninth grade, when a classmate pushed Phil Lafferty into her in the hallway. Marge and Phil were together from that day forward. After high school, Marge worked for the Philadelphia Electric Company, in Kennett Square, until the birth of her first child. For the next fifty years she worked as the bookkeeper for the family mushroom business, P.A. Lafferty and Sons, Inc., which she did from home, while raising five children.

Marge and Phil were founding members of St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Catholic Church in Avondale, PA and attended 7:30 mass on Sundays for many years.

Over the years Marge's interests included taking summer drives with Phil and their grandkids in the 1970 Chevy convertible or one of Phil's antique cars, playing board games, mowing grass, gardening, cheering for the Phillies, watching Hallmark movies and reading/listening to audio books. Her biggest passion was undoubtedly her family, whom she loved to entertain and spend time with. Her home was the location for the annual Christmas Eve gathering, and in summertime she was quite good at making sure her swimming pool was perfect for everyone to enjoy. Marge especially looked forward to the annual Fourth of July picnic at the pool, when the extended family came for swimming, barbecue, games, hayrides, and fireworks. More recently, Marge has enjoyed hosting the family at the pool for Christmas in July.

Marge is survived by three sons, Philip A. Lafferty, Jr. (Diane), of Kaolin, PA; Michael Lafferty of Manayunk, PA; Stephen Lafferty (Teresa), of Hockessin, DE; and one daughter, Carol Doherty (Bruce), of Kaolin, PA. Marge is also survived by her sister, Janet Seekins of Lyndonville, NY; and her daughter-in-law, Kathleen Lafferty of Kennett Square, PA. She was predeceased by her husband Philip A. Lafferty, Sr., her son Thomas H. Lafferty, her grandson, Michael Lafferty, Jr., and three siblings, Lorraine H. Davis, Paul Hartman, and Harold Hartman. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her 14 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren.

A special thanks to the four ladies who were overnight caregivers for Marge and made her feel safe in her own home for the last three years; Mary Ann, Mary Alice, Barbara (Bobbie), and Pam. Also, thanks to everyone at Complete Care at Brackenville in Hockessin, DE, who helped ensure Marge's last month was both comfortable and peaceful.

You are invited to visit with Marge's family and friends from 9:00 AM to 10:45 AM on Friday, May 2, 2025, at St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church, 8910 Gap Newport Pike, Avondale, PA 19311. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:00AM. Interment will follow at Saint Patrick's Cemetery, 460 N Union Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, or to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Arrangements by Kuzo Funeral Home of Kennett Square, PA.