Marie T Surma

Marie Theresa Surma was born in Ela Township in Lake County, Illinois on a dairy farm in 1932. She was the oldest daughter of John and Marie Surma, and she was the beloved oldest sister of Kathryn, John, David, and Susan, all of whom she survived. She died almost one year to the day of her youngest sister, Susan. Marie was the beloved aunt of 13 nephews and nieces, and of a growing number of grand-nephews and grand-nieces. She was a kind and good hearted lady who had a remarkable memory. She was filled with family lore, and she fell easily into laughter. In this way, she was like her mother, Marie, who also was filled with stories and who also had an easy laugh. The two Maries left Chicago in 1972 and decamped to New Port Richey, for sun, citrus, and a new life in a new ranch home. There they became fixtures of the community where they shared their lives with friends and neighbors. Bingo, card games, bowling, Catholic Church, crafts, and family gatherings at Thanksgiving and Christmas with pilgrimages to Chicago became the rhythm of their new life. The stream of memories, stories, and laughter never stopped. When the elder Marie passed in 1995, the younger Marie retired from her service in banking and she enjoyed her long retirement in the company of friends, and with travel. In 1999 she made a remarkable pilgrimage with her niece, Mary Staffeld, and a church-group to the Holy Land where they followed in the footsteps of Jesus and visited many of the holy sites. There they sailed in a replica boat similar to one of Jesus's era on the Sea of Galilee, and there they were baptized anew in the River Jordan. Marie managed to stay in touch with her nephews and nieces through birthday-cards and holiday remembrances. She was a life-long devout Catholic. She inspired her nieces and nephews by her devotion to the Church, by the love she showed for her family, and by her kindness. Late in life she had a dog, Sandy, who was very dear to her heart as she must have been dear to Sandy's heart. Marie died on April 30th 2025 with her rosary in hand, and a prayer on her lips. She was 92 years and 260 days old.
Chapel Committal Service Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 11:00 am at All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, IL.