Marie J. Esquilin was born July 29, 1930, in Tallahassee, FL to the late Oscar and Virginia Brown.  With boundless joy and great surprise, 30 minutes later her twin brother Morris Nhere was born.  She departed this life on Monday, December 13, 2021.

Marie enjoyed her early childhood education in Florida.  The family later moved to New Jersey where her Grandmother Mickens, lived next-door to the Union Baptist Temple Church. After Grandmother Mickens passing, the home was sold to Union Baptist Temple, the church she loved so much.

Marie graduated from Bridgeton High School and went to work for Owens Illinois Glass Company.  Marie Brown and Ralph Esquilin, were married over sixty years.  They enjoyed each other while having fun and traveling to Puerto Rico.  Ralph gave his life to God and began attending church with his wife.  These were the best times of her life.

Marie elected to retire early and become a housewife.  Marie was loved by her family and many friends. She took on the task of babysitting her niece Margie's son Jason, while Margie attended college.  Marie fell in love with Jason and until this day, Jason calls Marie and Ralph, Mom and Dad.

Marie was a very quiet but strong person, a lover of God, a lover of family and exotic food.  She was an avid skater and enjoyed skating at Franklinville Skating Rink.  She was a member of Crusaders for Christ Church, Bridgeton, NJ. She was one of the early members and she faithfully attended, until suffering a light stroke.  She was then moved to Genesis Rehabilitation Center, where her devoted husband, Ralph Esquilin, would visit daily, bringing her food and clean clothing.  Ralph's dedication to his beloved wife continued until he became disabled.

Marie was predeceased by her parents Oscar and Virginia Brown, sisters Lillie and Estine, brothers Frank and Lenton Brown, nephew Daryl Nelson and brother-in-law James Goldsboro.

She leaves to cherish her memory and to carry on God's love, her beloved husband Ralph, son Ralph Jr. (Towanda), sister Hazel Goldsboro, brother Morris Brown (Betty);  grandchildren Ditaniel, Alexander and Eric; Great grandchildren Ditaniel Jr., Alana, Sheylan, Makaylyn, Dallas, and Brooklyn; Nephews: Lenton Jr, Carey, Clinton, Terry, Michael, and Alfredo; Nieces: Tina, Marjorie, Valerie, Britt, Denise, Ollievita, Poulani.

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