Marianne C. Kepler

Marianne C. Kepler, age 79, of Rockaway Twp., New Jersey, died on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at St. Clares Hospital in Denville, New Jersey, surrounded by love.
Born October 22, 1945, to the late John and Mary Kepler (Cole), she was a lifelong resident of Rockaway Borough and Denville. Marianne was Roman Catholic in faith and had been a devout parishioner of St. Clement Pope and Martyr Roman Catholic Church for many years. She had been employed as a bookkeeper for Rockaway River Country Club in Denville for most of her career.
Marianne was known for her quick wit, a great smile and being the easiest person in the world to talk to and be around. No one who ever met her, even for a minute, didn't like her. Marianne loved making others laugh, even if she got herself in trouble doing so. Fiercely independent and known for always doing her own thing, Marianne loved to spend time with her cherished family and friends, then would slip out when no one was looking. No one ever wanted her to leave, but she was truly happy spending time alone doing all the little things she loved to do.
An avid sports fan, there wasn't a sport she didn't enjoy watching. Her favorite teams were the Giants and the Mets, and Marianne didn't mince words when either of those teams performed poorly. Her most recent favorite sports to watch were whatever games her grandchildren were playing.
Marianne took great satisfaction in herself for keeping in shape. She loved to get out and exercise. She loved walking to church when she could and would take her annual bike ride every year on her birthday, just to make sure she could still do it. Only weeks before her passing she was still enjoying her weekly aerobics and yoga classes.
She loved collecting turtles, reading, cross-stitching, puzzles and any other little thing she could do in her favorite place...her own home.
Moms greatest joy was being "Nana" to her precious grandchildren. Her life's most beautiful accomplishment was that she was their very first playmate and best friend. Her loss will be felt forever.
She is preceded in death by her parents, and two brothers, Paul Kepler and Joseph Kepler, two sisters-in-law Barbara Kepler and June Kepler, and dearest friend Jane Couch.
She is survived by her loving children; son James Seath of Seattle, WA; daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Dan Stires of Denville, NJ, and her beloved grandchildren, Daniel and Emily Stires. She is also survived by two of her big brothers, Tony Kepler and Peter Kepler and his wife Sharon, sister-in-law Sharon Kepler, and many, many loving nieces and nephews.
Following her cremation, a Memorial Gathering will be held Thursday, July 3, 2025 from 4:00-6:30 PM at Whitham-Kanapaux Funeral Home located at 20 Keller Ave., Rockaway, NJ 07866. A Memorial Service will be held at the funeral home at 6:30. Marianne was never a fan of getting dressed up, or being told what to wear. The family asks that everyone comes dressed in whatever makes them feel comfortable, in her honor.
Condolences may be sent to: RockawayFuneral.com
Memorial contributions may be directed to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org