Marnie Kay Kozielski

Marnie Kay Kozielski, 55, of Medina, New York, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2023, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on January 9, 1968, to David and Cheryl (Roberts) Kozielski of Medina, Marnie lived much of her life in the Medina area. She graduated from Medina High School in 1986, which was the same year she held the title of Miss Orleans County Teenager, and she graduated magma cum laude from Fredonia State College with a Bachelor’s Degree in 1990 and a Master’s Degree in 1995. 

Marnie taught Spanish for eight years, while also a cheerleading coach, in Cassadaga Valley Schools before returning to her hometown to teach for 23 years at Royalton-Hartland Schools until her retirement in January. While at Roy-Hart, she was named one of the top 25 teachers in Western New York from Business First, and generously had the school yearbook dedicated to her. Marnie was passionate about inspiring her students in not only their educational experiences, but also in creating an appreciation of the Spanish language and culture. She worked as an instructor at GCC where she received an award in 2007 from the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Excellence, and was an adjunct at NCCC for college acceleration programs for Spanish.

Marnie’s talents also excelled out of the classroom. She headlined Marnie Kay and the Nonblonds, a powerful blues, rock, and metal band, throughout Western New York, and also was the lead singer for bands such as Chameleon and Bourbon & Lace. Her vocal talents were exhibited on many area stages such as The Batavia Ramble, Marvins at Widewaters, and Attitudes in Lockport, to name a few.

Marnie is predeceased by her maternal grandparents, Charles and Jessie Roberts of Middleport and Cape Coral, Florida, and her paternal grandparents, Anthony and Sophia Kozielski of Medina. 

She is survived by her loving parents, David and Cheryl Kozielski of Medina, and her sister, Deneen Kozielski and husband, Joseph Listro of Bonita Springs, Florida, along with various aunts, uncles, and cousins. 

No calling hours will be held at her request. A private memorial service for close family may be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be made in Marnie’s name to the Knights-Kaderli Memorial Fund, PO Box 684, Medina, NY 14103 or to Hospice of Orleans at www.hospiceoforleans.org. Arrangements are in the care of Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina.