Marian S. Vanek

Marian S. Vanek

South River - Marian S. Vanek, age 92, a beautiful lady, has donned her angel wings and left us for the Kingdom of Heaven. She passed away Sunday evening April 22, 2018. She, along with her twin brother Ziggy were born in South River NJ, to Mary and Zigmund Biernacki.

Marian was a lady of grace and beauty.

She used her sewing skills to make dresses and costumes for all the little girls in St. Mary's plays and processions.

Marian had a passion for hairstyles and make-up. After graduating from Wilfred Beauty Academy, she received her beautician and manager licenses. She owned and operated Parktown Beauty Salon, a popular gathers place for her friends and clients. She also modeled hair color and styles at various New York Beauty Culture shows.

Marian loved to cook and usually made enough food to feed an army! Her stuffed cabbage, hams and turkeys fed the neighborhood. She also attended East Brunswick Vocational School to hone her culinary skills. Everyone got a gingerbread house for Christmas. She could be seen at Blueberry Acres along with her mother and daughter with a pail tied to her waist picking fresh blueberries for pies, muffins and pierogies.

Marian loved to travel. Her favorite destination was Hawaii where she got on stage with Don Ho, told him she was a grandma and was given a kiss and a song by the entertainer. She also owned a home in Florida where she would spend time many winters. One of her favorite summer places was Bonnie's pool where she would sit, surrounded by hibiscus.

Marian loved to garden. She and her husband Otto of 65 years were proud of their tomato and vegetable garden, the biggest in town.

She is predeceased by her parents Zigmund and Mary Biernacki, her loving husband Otto, her twin brother Ziggy, her brother Walter and her sisters Beatrice Safker and Pearl Peterson.

She is survived by her daughter Bonnie Coscia and her husband Ralph, her son Greg and his wife Sue, and three grandchildren Susan Bonnie, Greg, and Zach Vanek and his wife Tori.

Marian was a beautiful shining star and will be missed dearly. "Until we meet again Mom."

Funeral services will be Friday 8:30am from the Maliszewski Funeral Home 218 Whitehead Ave South River, with a 9am funeral mass at Corpus Christi RC Church in South River. Entombment will take place at Holy Cross Burial Park in South Brunswick.

Calling hours at the funeral home will be Thursday from 4pm to 9pm.

Letters of condolence to the family, completed arrangements and directions may be found at www.maliszewskifuneralhome.com.