Marietta Van Leuven

Marietta Catherine Van Leuven (née Chiriaco), age 92, of Matamoras, Pennsylvania, passed peacefully in her sleep on August 20, 2025, with her daughter Karen lovingly holding her hand.

Born on February 11, 1933, in Franklin, New Jersey, Marietta was the daughter of Amerigo and Mary Chiriaco. She graduated from Franklin High School and went on to lead a life marked by resilience, devotion, and deep love for her family. She worked as a clerk at Selective Insurance in Branchville, an operator at United Phone Company in Sussex, and later as a factory worker at Kolmar, USA in Port Jervis, New York.

On June 6, 1954, Marietta married the love of her life, Otis Andrew "Andy" Van Leuven. Together they raised a beautiful family and faced the hardships of life by each other's side until Andy's passing in 1999. Marietta was a devout Catholic who found strength and solace in her faith, attending Mass regularly throughout her life.

She was known for her unintentionally funny one-liners, delicious food, and unwavering loyalty to the Kansas City Chiefs-especially quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Her joy came from giving, and she delighted in stocking up on useful items and gifts until she was able to shower her family with them.

Marietta was predeceased by her beloved husband Andy; her parents, Amerigo and Mary; her siblings Amerigo Chiriaco, Lucy Chiriaco, Salvatore Chiriaco, Francis "Tiny" Chiriaco, and Yolanda Jacobus; and her cherished granddaughter, Tara Marie O'Brien.

She is survived by her devoted children: A. Mark Van Leuven (wife Diane), Lisa Marion, Karen Van Leuven, Theresa "Terri" Van Leuven, and Jason Van Leuven; and former son-in-law James Marion. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Monique Marion, Travis Marion, Troy Marion, Dana Van Leuven, Korey Kapetanakis, Kolby Kapetanakis, Alyssa Branch, Jenny McCallion, Tia Van Leuven, Tiana Van Leuven, John "JT" Aiello, Audrey Van Leuven, and Chloe Van Leuven; step-grandchildren Brian Vlietstra and Amy Kocher; 16 great-grandchildren, five step-great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

A viewing will be held at F. John Ramsey Funeral Home, One Main Street, Franklin, NJ 07416 from 9:30 to 10:30 AM, followed by a Funeral Mass at Immaculate Conception Church in Franklin at 11AM. Marietta will be laid to rest beside her beloved Andy at Clove Cemetery, reunited in eternal peace.

Her spirit, humor, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.