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Topic: Marion Sutphen |
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Frank J Andruss Sr
TOP BOSS
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 Posted on: Jan 18, 2023 - 6:47am
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Marion H. Sutphen Bannard
Marion was born on July 7, 1922 in Oyster Bay, New York. Her father was Preston Lees Sutphen and her mom, the former Marion Fahy’s Hodenpyl. Growing up Marion would reside at Shu Swamp Road in Locust Valley, New York. Her father Preston would later become General Manager for the Elco Naval Division in Bayonne, New Jersey, makers of the famous Elco PT BOATS during WWII. Her grandfather, Henry H. Sutphen was the Executive Vice President of the same company.
Marion would graduate from Chatham Hall School in 1939, and would attend Vassar College, a private Liberal Arts College, located in Poughkeepsie, New York. Here she would complete 2 years of college before entering Barnard College in her Junior year, a private Liberal Arts School for women in Manhattan, New York. In 1941Marion would meet her future husband at the Piping Rock Club, a private Country Club in Matinecock, New York. She would not finish college, instead she would marry Ensign William Newell Bannard III on October 22, 1942. They were married in the 5thAvenue Presbyterian Church in New York. Mrs. Gerard Thompson of Mill Neck Long island was her Matron of Honor, while Miss Emily Bannard, sister of the groom was the Maid of Honor. A reception followed at the New York Junior League Club House. Because her husband would be attending PT Boat School in Rhode Island, the couple would reside in Portsmouth. Her husband would begin PT School on November 3, 1942, graduating with the 8thclass on December 31, 1942. Marion would learn that her husband would be heading out, and on May 12, 1942 he set sail to Panama. Earlier on May 16, 1942, Marion would become one of the sponsor's along with Lt. John D. Bulkeley of Ron 3 fame that would help christen and launch PT-103, the first Elco 80 Foot PT BOAT. It would be one of these boats that her husband would serving on when he began patrols against the Japanese.
As was with all wife’s that had husbands serving over-sea’s she worried about his well being. In one letter to her, he told of the courage of the crews of the PT Boats, and that the Japanese were afraid of them. He mentioned the glowing success of the boats from a military standard. Bannard after coming home in 1944 would be assigned to the Motor Torpedo Boat Squadrons Training Center, but once again he would head over-sea’s in 1945 for a second tour. Marion would finally have her husband full time when he was put on inactive status after serving 40 months in the Navy. They would make their home in Cold Spring Harbor, Long Island, bringing up their thee children, David, Barbara and Marie. She would be married to Bannard for 45 years until his death. Marion loved to garden and was an accomplished Bridge player. It was no secret that she loved to travel and loved spending time at her second home called “Cloud High” in Smith Parish Bermuda.
Marion would remarry to Edward E. Fessenden for nine years until her death on May 6, 2003. She volunteered her services to the Multiple Sclerosis Chapter, the Garden Club of America and the Red Cross Chapter. Marion was 80 years old when she died and left 11 grandchildren: Thomas and Charles Cartier, Preston, Thomas and William Bannard, Jason, Whitney, Ashley, Macky and Madison Haller and the late William B. Cartier. She also left three stepchildren: Edward Fessenden, Jr., Joan Hunt and Suzanne Fessenden, three step-grandchildren and four step-great grandchildren. She was affectionately called MIMI by those who loved her. She was born into a family rich in boating history and will always be remembered for being a wonderful and kind person.
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