Obituary of Margaret "Marnie" DeWitt Park
Margaret “Marnie” DeWitt Park, 87, died December 5, 2025, in Denver, Colorado. During her final days she was surrounded by her children and family who provided much love and comfort.
Marnie was born on June 30, 1938, in New York City to Fred and Margaret DeWitt. She, along with her younger brother and sister, were raised in Detroit, Michigan, and Bay Village, Ohio. In 1956, while attending the University of Michigan, she met Charlie Park, a law student from Raleigh, NC. They married in 1958 and moved to Charlotte, NC, where Charlie began practicing intellectual property law, and Marnie completed her English degree at Queens College. Charlotte became their home as they raised their two sons and daughter.
She lived with an unmistakably fun-loving spirit. Her deep love of theatre, children, and her church community made her a joyful and generous presence. For more than 20 years she directed the Christmas Pageant at Christ Church, delighting in the creativity and laughter she shared with the kids. She also played a meaningful role in the growth and success of Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, fueled by her love of performance and imaginative play. Time spent at Lake Norman ignited a lifelong love of sailing, and she enjoyed many memorable trips with family and friends, including with her beloved all-women’s sailing group and crew.
Her adventurous spirit, ‘road warrior’ attitude, and strong sense of independence were shaped early on, loading her children into the station wagon each summer for the long drive to her parent’s cottage at Gallimere Beach on Lake Huron in Canada. It was her “happy place”, a cherished haven where she spent her own childhood, and one she later enjoyed sharing with her family and friends. In the years that followed, she became known for her countless road trips, some taken solo, others with friends and family along for the ride. She loved to travel and shared wonderful adventures around the world with Charlie, her children, and many dear friends and relatives.
In 1991, she and Charlie, along with their son Charles and daughter-in-law Wendy founded the Beaufort Grocery Company restaurant still located on Queen Street in Beaufort, NC. The chance to be closer to their granddaughter soon brought them to Beaufort full-time, a gift Marnie treasured. She quickly embraced the community serving on the vestry at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and volunteering for the Historical Society of Beaufort, the Beaufort Women’s Club, the Garden Club, and more. She took a heartfelt interest in supporting the Carteret Domestic Violence Program with her signature enthusiasm and compassion.
In 2014, she relocated to Denver, CO, to begin a new chapter of her life and to be closer to her daughter. She carried forward her love of travel and adventure, forging new friendships while cherishing long-standing ones. She embraced her new community and remained devoted to her Episcopalian faith, actively participating and volunteering at St. John’s Cathedral in downtown Denver.
Marnie had a gift for making people feel welcome. She cherished gatherings, celebrations, and simple moments shared with friends. She embraced people with kindness and an open heart, accepting them from all walks of life and meeting them with warmth, grace, and genuine interest. Her bright smile lit the room. Generous in both spirit and action, she didn’t hesitate to roll up her sleeves and help those in need. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, Granny, Aunt Marnie to many, and loyal friend whose laughter, compassion, and joy will be remembered always.
Her family is deeply grateful to the caregivers, friends, and the Hahn family members who loved and supported her during her time in Denver.
She is survived by her two sons, Charles Benjamin Park IV and wife Wendy Marshall Park of Beaufort, NC; Peyton Hogue Park and wife Margaret “Megan” MacConochie Park of Berkley Lake, GA; and her daughter, Margaret Park Hahn and husband Stephen James Hahn of Denver, CO. She is also survived by a granddaughter, Mary Margaret Park and husband Steven George of Beaufort, NC; a grandson, Benjamin Franklin Park, attending the University of Georgia; and great-grandchildren Giacomo George and Leo George, and Kingston George. She is further survived by her step-grandchildren Nicholas Hahn (Angie), Curtis Hahn (Jessica), Sheridan Hahn, Brenna Hahn Kaminky (Ryan), and Andersen Hahn; and seven step-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Benjamin Park III (2009); her parents, Frederic James DeWitt Jr. and Margaret Emily Flint DeWitt; her younger sister, Elizabeth “Betsy” DeWitt (2024); and her younger brother, Frederic “Fritz” DeWitt (2008).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Carteret County Domestic Violence Program (P.O. Box 2279, Morehead City, NC 28557), or a charity of your choice.
SERVICES
A service will be held at MorningStar Assisted Living at Observatory Park in Denver at 10am on Saturday, January 10, 2026. A graveside service will be held on June 29, 2026 at Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh, NC where she will be laid to rest beside her husband of 51 years. On her birthday, Tuesday, June 30, a memorial service will take place at St. Paul’s Church in Beaufort, NC, followed by a Celebration of Life at Beaufort Grocery’s 115 Queen Street patio. Specific times for the North Carolina services will be announced at a later date. Please check back for details.
