Marion Whitford

Marion Shirley (Lesher) Whitford

May 31, 1937 - August 19, 2025

Marion Shirley (Lesher) Whitford, 88, passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 19, 2025, in Sugar Land, Texas.

Born in Elmhurst, Illinois on May 31, 1937, Marion grew up in Glen Ellyn as the oldest of five children. Though shy by nature, she was exceptionally bright, graduating as valedictorian of Glenbard West High School. She attended Michigan State University, where she met her first husband, Francis Sloan, and together they raised three daughters in the Chicago suburbs.

At 40, Marion moved her family to Florida, eventually settling in Naples, the place she loved most. There she met and married her second husband, Roger Whitford, with whom she shared many happy years until his passing in 2010.

Marion was a die-hard romantic at heart and believed in love until the very end. She had a great sense of style, was always well-coiffed, and could usually be found in her signature white jeans and blue/green blouse. She hated cold weather, cigarette smoke, mean people, and any form of exercise. She loved Christmas, a few glasses of wine, a good game of bridge, and the occasional Five Guys burger. And of course, she loved her girls and spending time with her family.

A loyal and devoted friend, Marion stayed close with her high school crew for annual reunions and later enjoyed a cherished circle of friends in Naples who played bridge, celebrated birthdays, and attended various local events. These lasting bonds brought her great joy, and she cherished the sense of community they gave her.

Her resilience was remarkable; at age 71 she survived bile duct cancer, one of the deadliest forms, and her family was grateful to have another 17 years with her.

Marion is survived by her three daughters, Leslie Veader, Lora Sloan, Lisa (Eric) Marx, her four grandchildren Jack Veader, Jill (David) Caligur, Ethan Marx, Emma Marx, her great granddaughter Sloan Caligur, her siblings Paul (Susan) Lesher, Irving "Doc" (Laurie) Lesher III, Margy Lesher, and many friends and loved ones.