Marie C. Marrongelli

Marie C. Marrongelli (nee Vassalotti) of Blue Bell, PA passed away very gently and peacefully at her home of many years, after a brief illness, on the morning of Thursday, August 31, 2023. She was 101 years old (though didn't look it), having happily surpassed her oft-repeated, fist-pumping goal of reaching 100 by over 15 months. With her were her faithful long-time caregivers, Jeannie and Vaughan Harrington. Marie was very much blessed in both her long life span and very gentle passing.
She born at home on May 12, 1922 on Judson Street, North Philadelphia, Marie was the eldest child of the late Louis and Madeleine (nee Massimo) Vassalotti, and the much-loved wife of the late John S. Marrongelli, Sr., to whom she was married for just short of 57 years upon his death in 2011. They had been married on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1954.
She is survived by her loving son John Marrongelli, Jr. (fiancée Luanne), devoted daughter Lisa Cussans (married to Thomas), three grandchildren -- Matt (married to Rachel), Sophie, and Theo -- and great-grandson Jason (Matt and Rachel's baby son), who was born a month before Marie's 100th birthday, making her an official Great-Nana, much to her delight. She was preceded in death by siblings Dr. Margaret Gottlieb, Eleanor Vassalotti, Louis Vassalotti, Rita Vassalotti, and Regina Horvath. Marie, the eldest, was the last surviving sibling.
Marie attended grade school, and was later married, at St. Mary of the Eternal Church and School, and her high school years were spent at John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls' High School in Center City. After graduation, Marie worked as a doctor's secretary; and also as part of the St. Mary of the Eternal parish office, under Rev. Msgr. J. John Busco, and Fathers McBride and Maguire, all three priests being great friends of the Vassalotti family. Once her two children had started high school, Marie had a brief fling as an Avon Lady, lasting one day, and then went on to spend well over 25 years as a salesperson and part-time telephone operator at Strawbridge and Clothier in Plymouth Meeting. Her great friends during these working years were Wilma Brett and Mary Porsche.
Marie loved summer vacations at Ocean City, NJ and the Poconos with her young family, and later on she and her husband often visited Cape May and Bermuda, Cape Cod, and finally England and France to visit her daughter and family. She and John greatly enjoyed the St. Helena Senior Club, and had many outings and trips with them, a favorite being to Atlantic City as a not very high roller; she was lucky, though, and would often win. She made frequent visits to California to see her sister Regina, niece Lisa Michelle, and parents Louis and Madeleine.
Marie was an exceptionally devoted wife, mother, and grandmother ("Nana"), family being prized by her throughout her very long life. She was a very devout Catholic, a powerhouse of cleaning and organizing energy, an impeccable homemaker, a wonderful cook, an excellent Brownie and Girl Scout leader, a good bowler in her younger days, playing in a league with her own ball, shoes, and bag, a friendly neighbor, a snappy dresser, a fine knitter of baby blankets, a bit of a bingo sharp, and a very beautiful and stylish woman who never once had a hair out of place and to whom her physical appearance mattered a great deal right until the end of her days. Never let it be said that Marie went out into the world without her eyebrows exactly so. Well into her 90s, she was admiringly described by a male nurse who was looking after her during a short hospital stay as "having swagger," and he intended that as the highest compliment. She was the master of the slow, withering stare if she felt it necessary to bestow it, and often did. She had grace and presence. And also, it has to be said, a bit of a fine line in Italian curses much later in life when she was able to get away with it. She was a tremendous character, a truly wonderful mom, and will be very greatly missed by all who knew her.
Relatives and friends are invited to share Marie's Life Celebration on Monday, September 18, from 10 AM to 10:50 AM at St. Helena's Church, 1489 Dekalb Pike, Blue Bell. Her Funeral Mass will begin at 11 AM at the church. Interment will be next to her husband at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, to be followed by a gathering at the family home, to which all are cordially invited to come and share Marie stories.
Family Arrangements are by Boyd-Horrox-Givnish of East Norriton, 610-277-7000. In lieu of flowers, donations in Marie's name can be made to The Alzheimer's Association or Alzheimer's Disease Research. Please note that due to the current outbreak of covid 19, mask-wearing inside the church is strongly advised, and is also requested for the gathering at home after the interment.