MARKIEWICZ MARY ELLEN (nee STETSER) Mary Ellen (Stetser) Markiewicz, a treasured member of the Riverton, NJ, community, peacefully passed away on January 30, 2025, her 82nd birthday, surrounded by the love of her family. She is survived by her cherished husband of 60 years, William "Bill" Markiewicz; loving daughter, Amy (Mike Wojeck), and adoring granddaughters, Kate and Anna Wojeck. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ellen and Charles Stetser, and her beloved son, Peter Markiewicz. Raised in Mt. Ephriam, NJ, Mary attended Audubon High School and gained lifelong friendships. She and her BFFs still made each other laugh at regular get-togethers. A graduate of Glassboro State College, Mary taught history at Edgewater Middle School in the early years of her marriage. Mary and Bill fell in love with each other and the tiny town of Riverton, NJ. Here they immersed themselves in the pleasures of raising a family in a tight-knit community. Festivities such as the Riverton 4th of July celebrations, library house tours, and neighborhood block parties were highlights of living in this quaint, small town. The couple's time together was also filled with weekend road trips, cards and dinners with friends, and Walnut Theater tickets. They shared a lifetime of companionship that made each other smile, even as they weathered hardships and health issues together later in life. Simpler pleasures of neighborly chats, breakfasts out, and movie afternoons, as well as visits from family, sustained them in their golden years. Mary's happiest days were spent with her family and friends. Treasured memories include vacations to Skyland Drive and LBI, as well as Atlantic City casino trips, Cinnaminson Diner breakfasts, Robin's Nest lunches, and Red Lion ravioli dinners. Mary shared a special bond with her son, Pete, and together they enjoyed watching old tv shows and playing cards. Being "Grammy" was one of the greatest joys of Mary's life, and she shared many special moments with her granddaughters playing Dominos, chatting, and tending her garden each spring. Their annual outing to the Academy of Music for the Nutcracker ballet and Max Brenner lunch after were cherished times. Mary loved books, often reading several in a week. She spent many hours at the Riverton Free Library and served as secretary for the Friends of the Riverton Free Library for 31 years. A gentle soul, Mary loved nature, flowers, and her backyard with the birds and bunnies that resided there. She will also be remembered for her love of cats and the color red, as well as her decadent flourless chocolate cake with the perfect chocolate ribbon curls. Those fortunate to have known Mary will fondly recall her warm smile and gentle nature. She was the epitome of the words humble and kind. Yet she also cultivated an inner fortitude that she drew upon in motherhood, one of the biggest blessings of her life. A dedicated mom, she cared for her disabled son with fierce love and quiet strength. Through her daily example, she showed both her children the enduring power of a mother's devotion, love, and grace. Mary's family would like to thank her friends, neighbors, caregivers, and The Early Bird for all the care, kindness, and support over the years. Relatives and friends are invited to gather at GIVNISH OF CINNAMINSON, 1200 Route 130 North, on Saturday February 8th from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. A Service will begin at 11 A.M., followed by interment in Lakeview Memorial Park, 1300 Route 130 North, Cinnaminson. The Service at 11 A.M. will be livestreamed:
https://www.viewlogies.net/givnish/GoOjFDVz-?pin=298316 To watch the livestreamed service and share your fondest memories and condolences, please visit
www.Givnish.com. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Riverton Free Library:
https://rivertonfreelibrary.org/support-our-library/.

Published by The Philadelphia Inquirer on Feb. 2, 2025.