Marianne Nancy Niklauski

Marianne was born on August 19,1942 to Edward and Pauline Bay in Philadelphia, PA. Although born and raised there, she considered herself an Army brat and spent some childhood years growing up in Germany. Her family eventually settled in Levittown in 1956 where she spent her teenage years. She graduated from Neshaminy High School in 1960. After attending Penn State, following graduation, she was accepted at the University of Pennsylvania Cytotechnology Program and graduated in 1965 as an ASCP certified Cytotechnologist. This would become her lifelong profession. She loved preparing and examining slides, looking at cells through the microscope for abnormalities including cancer. She would consult with Pathologists to assist with diagnoses. She chose to be a career woman and worked at various labs and hospitals for decades until her retirement. She loved her work.

She would meet the other love in her life at the Mallard Inn in Burlington, NJ. Marianne and Len Niklauski were married on Oct 27, 1977. They would spend 43 years together until his passing in 2021. Marianne and Len were parents to many dogs throughout their years together. They enjoyed watching Phillies and Eagles games, dining out, day trips, and family gatherings. They both enjoyed the annual tradition of watching the Mummers on New Years Day and established a contest of picking the winner with family members and friends. They especially loved their summer trips to the shore where they would sit by the pool at her sister's place and spend time with family. Marianne and Len eventually settled in Blandon, PA during their retirement years.

Marianne became a sister to her only sibling in 1954 at 12 years old when Liz was born. She loved being a big sister. Her mother would make her take off her dressy high heels which she loved to wear before she would allow her to hold her baby sister. As they got older, Marianne would make day trips to Seaside Heights beach in the summer, taking her kid sister along. Marianne would eventually give her sister a nickname. She affectionately called her "Lizard", a name her sister grew to love. They developed a lifelong bond that could never be broken. Through life's good times and bad they were always there for each other. Marianne was a cherished aunt to her nephew Frank and his wife Ellen, her niece Stephanie, and a beloved great aunt to Francesca and Jack. She loved her family and that love was reciprocated.

Marianne loved to play the lottery and would often play her birthday number 819. Her occasional win would bring her much excitement and she loved telling people about it. She loved celebrating her birthday at Peddler's Village with family.

One of her lifelong dreams was to go to Paris and visit the Eiffel Tower. She was able to fulfill her dream in 2008, traveling to Paris with her sister Liz and niece Stephanie.

Marianne's favorite holiday was Easter. When her niece and nephew were younger she would dress up as the Easter Bunny for them. Spring was her favorite time of year. Her favorite color was yellow.

She remembered everyone's birthday always sending cards and generous gifts. Adjectives often used to describe Marianne were sweet, thoughtful, and generous.

Marianne missed her beloved husband Len terribly after his passing in April of 2021. It is fitting that her reunion with him is one week shy of the four year anniversary of his passing as we approach Easter, a time that symbolizes victory over death and the promise of eternal life.

Marianne is predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband Len, and her stepson Lenny. She is survived by her cherished sister Liz Facciolo (Frank Grotti), her nephew Frank (Ellen) Facciolo, her niece Stephanie Facciolo, her great niece Francesca Facciolo, her great nephew Jack Facciolo, her devoted caretaker Anders Abrahamson, and many friends and extended family.

A graveside service to remember Marianne will be held on Monday April 21st at Resurrection Cemetery in Bensalem at noon.

Family and friends are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local animal shelter or remember her by playing the lottery using her birthday numbers 819. She would have loved that.