Marie Cappelli

Marie Dockweiler Cappelli of Pomona, NY born October 12,1921 in Manhattan, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2023, of natural causes. Marie was predeceased by her husband, Michael, daughters Diane and Joanne and her 6 brothers and sisters. Marie is survived by her daughter, Jean Neidhart and her husband, Richard, her 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, and her many beloved nieces and nephews. Marie lived a long, fulfilled life to almost the age of 102, by following 2 simple rules. First, no matter how difficult life could be, she always counted her blessings, saying, “Don’t focus on what you have lost, focus on what you have”. Second, when asked how she stayed in such remarkable shape, she answered,“Do everything in moderation, except chocolate”.

Nana, as she was known to so many of us,had a zest for life, playing and being silly with any child in the room,helping the “old people” at a local nursing home well into her 80’s and reading in her free time. Whether it was finding a way to take her kids to Orchard Beach during the summer, her salty language when playing Jenga with family or her ability to make every Thanksgiving in New Hampshire and Pomona memorable, especially when she forgot to put the sugar in the pumpkin pie, which we ate anyway, she always found a way to make every gathering special and fun. To this day, we can’t find a pie that compares to hers.

Nana also had a soft spot for all of the animals in our families, constantly inviting them to sit on her lap, no matter how big they were or sneaking them treats when we asked her not to. But Nana’s greatest love was her family, and her superpower was the ability to make everyone she met feel like they were her favorite person. Something that many continue to debate to this day. While she kept the answer to that question a well-guarded secret, the answer was always right in front of us. We were all truly her favorite. Her family and friends were her greatest source of joy and happiness, a sentiment she shared with everyone until her last day.

This gift of making us all feel special and unconditionally loved will continue to live on in all of us who knew her. We can draw on it in times of challenge to strengthen ourselves and others and embrace it in times of remembrance to bring laughter and happiness into our lives. We will do our best to live up to your standards. Thank you Nana. We will miss you and love you always.

The wake is Monday, 9/25 from 3pm-7pm and the funeral services is on 9/26 at 9:30am. The wake and funeral services are at Higgins Funeral Home, located at 321 South Main Street, New City, New York 10956. A burial will occur Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at 11:15 AM at Old St. Raymond's Cemetery, 1201 Balcom Ave., Bronx, NY 10465. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Jawonio, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MJHigginsNewCity.com for the Cappelli family.