Obituary of Marie E. Peters

Today we honor Marie Peters, a beautiful soul with an absolute zest for life. Just a few days following what would be her last birthday on this Earth, Marie went to rest in eternal peace at the age of 69 on December 1, 2023. We are gathered in remembrance of her steadfast courage, to celebrate her life of pure love, and to recall the fondest moments we were given with such grace to spend beside such a tender hearted, loyal woman that we will treasure forever. Marie, who is often now being referred to as a “fearless warrior”, is survived by her husband, John and her two children, Matthew and Michele. She has also departed from her two precious grandchildren - whom she referred to more than once as the ‘lights of her life who uplift her spirit’ - Connor John and Amelia Josephine, both presently age 3. They are two of her biggest fans.

As a child, Marie spent her youngest years on East 2^nd street with her beloved parents, Anthony and Josephine, in the infamous Borough of Brooklyn. This area quickly became near and dear to her heart, which was primarily evident in her countless stories of her lineage built on the strongest Italian roots. Her childhood was spent within a home which emulated the warmest love imaginable – and surely felt by all who entered. Her countless tales and beliefs given were always topped with a classic touch of - “I tell it like it is” mentality – which she would proudly boast had come from her time spent in Brooklyn.  Growing up as an only child, she frequently spoke lovingly about how her cousins became her ‘true siblings.’  They all shared a bond that was unmatched and even as adults this remained strong; their laughter together was the life of the party at all family gatherings. Marie was blessed to meet her husband, John, on a blind date and they were married soon after, in 1974 at Our Lady of Grace parish. Timeless wedding photos were taken amid the June sunshine, beaming closely above the Verrazano bridge. They ventured from Staten Island to New Jersey, where they built a life together for over twenty years before moving to Cooperstown, NY - and eventually taking on a new chapter in Belvidere. John and Marie’s wedding song lyrics will always ring true as a theme throughout all the chapters of their lives together: ‘Color my world, with hope of loving you.’ Their everlasting hope through both hardships endured and unconditional love within joyful times, were then able to be given so miraculously to their two children, Matthew and Michele. When John was asked, ‘What was the one thing that you will always appreciate about Marie more than anything?’ 

Without hesitation, he responded, “The gift of our two children.” 

Marie’s first job ever was at a wholesale bookstore, but her career grew most when she entered into Sales. Her innate ability to connect with people easily along with her unstoppable drive to hustle was the perfect combination for this field. She literally could talk to anyone and just knew how to make someone laugh. Marie instilled so many wonderful values to her kids in all areas of life.

Matthew still says to this day, if he could sum up what he will carry with him throughout his lifetime that came directly from his mother he stated, “One word. Perseverance.”

Michele will always live in gratitude for the three simple, yet profoundly meaningful lessons her mother has taught her – to work hard no matter what, to never be afraid to be honest - and of course, always remember to have fun.

 Michele’s husband Joe, son in law to Marie, said “Marie taught me to see the best in everything. It didn’t matter what was happening around us. She pointed out the hidden positives in scenarios that most people couldn’t.”

As her daughter in law, I will hold closely to my heart all of the times she made me laugh out loud – but more so, the motherly wisdom she gifted me. I feel we will be forever connected because it was not until now that I understand what it means to be a mother to a son. Having that sacred bond yet having to experience love, loss, joy and sadness all rolled in to one. It was because of Marie that I have a husband and son - how do you ever thank someone enough, for giving you a family? 

Marie was a fierce soul – so fierce that she faced this battle of illness with the greatest armor possible - her unending will to have the priceless gift of time. It was not just in her final days that this mattered to her most. Our hearts break the most because we know that she did not want to leave – the one thing she wanted and what she treasured more than anything in this world - was time with her family. This was always emanated so clearly in her everyday living, planning and conversation. Even in certain defeat – one tragic fall after another by cause of this illness – she stood with an utmost strength and utter will within to be here. 

We will all forever miss her quick wit, her contagious laugh from across the room (at times what would fill an awkward silence for everyone), her pure, compassionate nature, her vivacious personality, and as we all know - her football smarts, and her unmatched loyalty to the Jets and Mets. We will most certainly smile when we recall her most famous sayings which will ring in the depths of our memories. Some of these include: “Hey there!”; “What’s the scooby?” (What’s the plan) “I sent you a note.” (I sent you a text) “We’re free thanks!” (inside joke with her children), “How did you get to be this handsome??” (to her beloved cat, Lucas, who was by her side on the arm of her recliner chair through all of this, or above her head resting on top) “Who’s the smartest boy??” (to Connor) “Who’s the smartest girl??” (to Amelia) We wanted to add to this list the hilarious voices she would do, mostly high-pitched ones and creating songs about nothing while she was cooking chicken in the kitchen. She later boasted about new lyrics she would create with her grandchildren. 

Back in 2020 for her birthday, we played a “Marie Trivia” game for fun. I saved her message with all of her answers and was touched most by two of her responses which I will share below.

“Who is your hero?”

Without pause, or perhaps even the thought of a commonly mentioned famous person - she said, “My two kids.”

At first, I hesitated to include with this today, what Marie said her favorite song was, due to its silly and giddy nature on such a solemn day. But then I realized this song is actually one that probably everyone who knows her, can see her dancing like no ones watching to, making jokes to the people dancing next to her over the music, and doing what she did best – enjoying life. The song she responded with was “Walking on Sunshine” – and I thought the words of the song were fitting to encapsulate the way she lived here on this Earth: “I feel alive, I feel the love – that’s really real.”

We were saddened of her time cut short with her grandchildren here on Earth. But amid our tears we do remember that she will have her two boys in Heaven, who Matthew and I lost, that Marie will nurture, love and care for. This brought our family some peace.

Whenever Marie herself or someone she loved was facing a challenge or loss, she would always share that she went to her church to light a candle. It became evident over the years that this light gave her hope – but is a reminder to all of us of her deep faith in the knowing that we are never alone in this life. She looked to the Heavens often for guidance, answers and support, even from her parents - whom we all know held her hands tight, on either side, as she entered into God’s kingdom. Today may we all light a candle – one of hope and a symbol of our love for her – now coloring our own worlds, with the essence of her infinite spirit.

Relatives and friends will be greeted by Marie’s family on Tuesday, December 5^th from 4:00 until 8:00PM at the Knoll-DeVoe Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 142 West Washington Avenue, Washington, NJ 07882. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Wednesday, December 6^th at 11:00 AM at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 327 Greenwich Street, Belvidere, NJ 07823. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. To share memories with the family please visit www.knolldevoefh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Marie’s name may be made to the Sarcoma Foundation of America. Please Click Here to Donate