Marianne Barbara Sierocinski

Marianne Barbara Sierocinski (nee Lilly), age 73, of Shamong, NJ passed away surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, December 7, 2024.
Born in Philadelphia, PA to James and Barbara Lilly, Marianne attended Archbishop Prendergast High School before beginning her career at the Penn Central Transportation Company, formerly Pennsylvania Railroad. Upon the formation of Conrail, Marianne's career took off. She held a senior-management position in the information technology department, the only woman to hold such a position in a primarily male-dominated field. Years later, she would assist with the IT department's transfer from Conrail to Norfolk Southern.
The great joy of Marianne's life was Stephen Sierocinski, her husband and best friend of 51 years. Their marriage was held beautifully together by mutual respect and appreciation, a thorough understanding of one another, and an enduring love. Together, Mare and Steve created unforgettable memories for their family and friends, including trips to their condo in Sea Isle City, NJ, long weekends spent in their jacuzzi, and holidays creating new lyrics for the "12 Days of Christmas."
Marianne's life was colored by a loving, large, and fun family. The eldest of six daughters, Mare was an excellent mediator. She and her sisters- Joan, Barbara, Denise, Dawn, and Christine- enjoyed many adventures, including a never-discussed sister trip to Europe. Marianne was a devoted aunt to her sisters' children, and enjoyed spoiling her many nieces and nephews with monogrammed gifts and matching pajama sets.
Marianne loved all things beautiful. An ardent supporter of the arts, Marianne enjoyed bringing family and friends to the theater, especially to see Les Miserables. Her gardens were labors of love, overflowing with color and creativity, and her hand-painted birdhouses welcomed many birds to her backyard. She was elegant and poised, both in how she dressed and the way she carried herself.
Above all else, Marianne was an unfailingly good person. For decades, Marianne volunteered her time as a Eucharistic Minister and catechism teacher at Church of the Holy Eucharist. She was a supporter of many charities throughout her life, although Marianne's generosity was not just in the material sense– she was generous with her time, her patience, and most of all, her love.
Marianne had a tremendous gift of being exactly what someone needed. In times of crisis, she offered a firm and supportive hand. Mare could be optimistic even when it seemed like the world was upheaving and everything was falling apart. Through her undaunted approach toward life, she taught all who loved her how to be unafraid and have faith that their fears were in God's hands. It is all of these qualities that will make Marianne dearly missed and never forgotten.
Marianne was predeceased by her parents, James and Barbara Lilly; sisters Joan, Barbara, and Christine. She is survived by her adoring husband, Stephen; sisters Denise (Stephen) and Dawn (Robert); 14 nieces and nephews, and many great nieces and great nephews.
A viewing will be held on Friday, December 13, from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM, immediately followed by mass of the Christian burial, both at Church of the Holy Eucharist, 520 Medford Lakes Road, Tabernacle, NJ. Final disposition will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Marianne's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/