Marilyn Grace Colucci

Marilyn Grace Colucci went home to be with the Lord, on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at her home in Bardonia, New York, surrounded by family. Marilyn is survived by her husband of 71 years Donald “Don”, her children Stephen (Mary Elizabeth “Liz”, deceased), Thomas, Donna (James) Borgman, Carolyn (Bruce) Boyce and Christopher (Tina), nine grandchildren to whom she was “Nana”, and two great-grandchildren. Marilyn was pre-deceased by her sister Agnes “Abby” Connor.

Marilyn was born on January 28, 1930 in Mount Vernon, New York to the late Anthony “Ted” and Agnes Battista. Marilyn spent her early years in New York before moving with her family in 1942 to Detroit, Michigan where her father was transferred with the New York Central Railroad. They returned to New York in 1944 and settled in Eastchester. Marilyn graduated from St. Gabriel High School in New Rochelle, attended Berkeley Secretarial School, then worked for C. Tennant Sons and Co. in New York City.

Marilyn met Don in 1949 on a blind date, and they were married on October 17, 1953. Don had just been drafted into the army and moved after their wedding to Maryland where he was stationed. Marilyn followed him there the following year after the first child Stephen was born. Once Don was discharged from the army in 1955, they moved to Bardonia into a home owned by Don’s family. They designed and built their own home on the property, moving into it in 1958. It became Marilyn’s home for the rest of her life.

Marilyn was a devoted mother and homemaker but, after her youngest started school, she returned to the workforce in 1973 as a Math Resource Teacher’s aide at Bardonia Elementary School, retiring in 1994.

Throughout her long life, Marilyn was dedicated to home, school and community. She was an active member of first St. Anthony’s Parish in Nanuet, New York then later St. Francis of Assisi Parish in West Nyack. There, among many volunteer activities, she took a turn chairing Our Lady’s Guild, served as a Eucharist Minister and sang in the choir. Marilyn and Don helped establish a very successful thrift shop, Clare’s Cove, to benefit the parish. She especially enjoyed researching and pricing the shop’s items for sale.

Marilyn was also an active volunteer in the Bardonia Parent-Teachers Association (PTA) and was honored in 1972 with a lifetime PTA membership. Additionally, she served as a Brownie and Cub Scout leader. In 1992, Marilyn was recognized by the PTA with its Distinguished Service Award.

With her family, Marilyn enjoyed summer vacations on Sagamore Beach, Massachusetts. Marilyn and Don were fortunate, in 1977, to be able to purchase the cottage that they had been renting. Once retired, Marilyn and Don spent as much time there as they could.

In their retirement years, Marilyn and Don traveled the world with their friends. Marilyn was fond of cats and there was always at least one in her home. She is survived by her most recent felines, Smokey and Bandit.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated for Marilyn at 11:30 AM on Friday November 22 at St. Francis of Assisi Church in West Nyack. Visitation will be at Higgins Funeral Home in New City at 3 – 7 PM on Thursday November 21.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to;

Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, American Cancer Society or United Hospice.