4 minute read
The Milligans: Lifetimes of Neighborly Service
by Craig Whitney
Colette and Mary Milligan, at Bartram's Covered Bridge, near their home in Newtown Square, PA
Cover photo by Michele Moran, Michele Moran Photography www.MicheleMoranPhotography.com
Marty and Colette Milligan have lived in Newtown Square for many years. In the time they have spent in the community, they have organized events to clean up Darby Creek, manage the parks in Marple Newtown and promote the events and amenities of Delaware County.
Marty and Colette first met through an in-person dating service organized through their church. It was surprising and genuine for both of them, as neither expected to meet someone there.
Marty Standing with the NCAA National Championship Basketball Trophy of his favorite team, VillanovaCollette teaching at Culbertson Elementary, she has been there for almost 20 years
“I was out there like young people were at the time looking in different places to meet the right person, but we end up meeting at the church of all places,” Marty explained with a smile.
The mass was at Saint Barnabas in Philadelphia, and the dinner held after the mass was at a local Italian restaurant. The dating service wasn’t the only place Marty and Colette had gone to meet someone, but they found it comforting to have a strong starting foundation that both people have in common. Their shared faith and similar backgrounds made the first dates easier and ensured a set of mutually-shared beliefs, but the true binding connection came from their passion for giving and for motivating people.
The pair got married three years later and started their lives in Newtown Square, staying in the community ever since and still living in St Alban’s Circle.
Colette has been a teacher in the Marple Newtown School District for twenty years. She currently teaches second grade at Culbertson, and loves having the chance to meet the children, get to know them, and connect with them as much as she can.
“I love my job, partly because it’s the same school system Jesika went through,” Colette said. Jesika is Colette’s daughter, who now is married with children in Arizona but was raised in the Marple Newtown school district. “Working here feels like I’m giving back to the school for all the things she was able to receive.”
One of Colette’s students from second grade would go on to work for Culbertson after graduating Temple University. Working alongside them has been a beautiful sense of coming full circle in her career.
Marty and Colette’s daughter, Jesika, grew up in the Marple Newtown school district and is currently living in Arizona working as a doctor of homeopathic medicine. Marty and Colette love traveling to Arizona as much as possible to see their daughter and three grandchildren. Antonio, who just recently turned six, is now attending kindergarten.
Despite the distance, Jesika has remained very close to Marty and Colette. They put the effort in to speak to each other nearly every day, and stay a big part of each other’s lives as if she was still here in Newtown Square. At least twice a year, spring break and the winter season, the two will travel to Arizona and connect with the rest of their family.
Marty and Collette with their daughter Jesika and her family
“We Facetime and talk on the phone all the time, even though we’re far geographically we don’t really feel far,” Colette explained. “It’s the same in a lot of ways, a mother and daughter, she breathes in I breathe out.”
Marty has worked in many different fields throughout his career, from Boeing helicopters to the Newtown Square Parks and Recreation Department. Currently, Marty works for Destination Delco, an extensive resource for everything happening in Delaware County. Marty gets to travel around the county, speak with businesses and event leaders, and craft the story of Delaware County.
“We go out and meet various organizations, see what they have going on, and share their story,” Marty explained. “I’m happy with my job. I get to be in the field, meeting people and telling people about what we have to offer.”
With every open slot of time he has found in his time in Newtown Square, Marty has spent it giving back to the community in various ways. Several years ago, he received the alumni volunteer community award for diligent service to the community.
Marty and Colette volunteer with a Catholic project called pre- Jordan, which prepares families for the religious value of a child’s baptism. In addition, Marty has led the annual Darby Creek cleanup project as a board member of the committee for the past 20 years. As a director for the Newtown Square Parks and Rec Department, Marty has also organized the Walk for the Wounded, which has raised over $2 million for wounded veterans.
“There’s such a need for it,” Marty beamed. “People are so busy, they don’t realize that there is life out there and all around them, people and organizations out there that need a helping hand. Not only does it help them but it helps you.”
Marty and Colette have lived in Newtown Square for decades, raising a daughter, educating generations of children and lending a helping hand to the people around them.
“We love living here. There are a lot of young families, fresh out of the buzz of the city and ready for a slower, more comfortable family life,” Marty said. “It’s an ideal setting here.”
“It’s a great place to live, our scenery is some of the best in the country. Parks, restaurants, our church, we really have everything here,” Colette added.
The Milligans have been a part of this community for a long time, and they are eager to see what each new day may bring to their community. Whether it is a chance to meet someone new, give something back to the community or help someone in need, the Milligans are excited to be a part of Newtown Square.
Do you know a neighbor who has a story to share? Nominate your neighbor to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! Contact us at cwhitney@bestversionmedia.com. NS
