Marie Rankin

Marie Rankin, of Chestnut Hill, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully at home on May 25, 2021, at the age of 81. Marie was born in Letterkenny, Ireland. At age 16, Marie traveled by boat alone to the United States in search of a life with more opportunity, leaving behind her only brother whom she was separated from as a child. After arriving in Philadelphia, Marie immediately began working as a nanny to a family with seven children. After a life of hardship and struggle, Marie was most proud of having made Chestnut Hill her home. Her greatest passions were children and her family. Marie worked as a nanny for several years until meeting her husband Francis “Frank” Rankin and together they raised two children, Frank Jr. and Sally. It was Marie’s eccentric personality that preceded her. If you didn’t know her personally, you knew OF her. She could always be spotted on Germantown Avenue, popping into the local stores, grabbing a bite of cheese, buying a dress for one of her granddaughters, or just saying hello to the long-time shop owners turned life-long friends. Marie was an iconic staple of the neighborhood. She supported every event, festival, business, and neighbor she could. While she was sassy and outspoken, she never lacked loyalty and passion for her neighborhood, family, or friends. When not on the Avenue, you could find Marie at Our Mother of Consolation Parish, either attending Mass or participating in a prayer group for anyone who needed support. Marie’s kindness and generosity were always at the forefront of everything she did. Whether it was donating a dollar or food to someone experiencing homelessness, bringing in the paper for a neighbor, saying prayers for a friend in need, Marie’s kind heart never faltered. Beloved by all who spent time with her, Marie was at the center of any gathering. Marie is survived by her brother, John Deery of Edinburgh, Scotland, her son Frank Jr., her daughter, Sally Schagrin (Steven) of Oreland, and their children, Kelsea, Amanda, and Lindsay - her cherished grandgirls who she adored more than anything. She was preceded in death by her husband Francis Rankin. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at 10AM at Our Mother of Consolation Church 9 E. Chestnut Hill Ave Philadelphia, PA 19118. The family will receive relatives and friends from 9:30-10AM outside by the main entrance of the church. Interment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Marie’s memory may be made to Morris Animal Refuge, 1242 Lombard Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147. Mass will be live-streamed and may be accessed through the following link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVczVeKakHO3trMY7MYCe3w