Marie was born on October 14, 1927 in Detroit, Michigan, the second eldest daughter of Henry and Edna Martorana’s six children. Though Marie remained single throughout her life, she worked inside and outside of the home. In her younger years, Marie was part of the vibrant life of Downtown Detroit. She primarily worked in retail with Hudson’s and Winkleman’s, and enjoyed volunteering for many years working the Thanksgiving Day Parade in Downtown Detroit. She was a part of the city retail life even despite never mastering the skill of driving a vehicle, but by taking the bus to most places she needed to be. Inside the home, Marie remained devoted to the care of her beloved parents, and though she never had any children of her own, she doted on her nieces, nephews, godchildren, great-nieces and great-nephews like the matriarchal grandmother figure that she was.
Marie leaves behind a legacy of love. She is survived by her brother, Elmer Martorana and his wife Bernadine; 18 nieces and nephews: Mickey, Linda, Shari, Levona, Martha, John, Christopher, Keith, Lori, Lynn, Kenneth, Colette, Cynthia, Kevin, Philip, Michelle, James and Jennifer; and a multitude of great-nieces and great-nephews. Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Edna, and four of her siblings: Bertha, Frances, Grace and Jack.
A visitation for Marie will be held Thursday, May 30, 2024 (3-4 PM for family) and from 4-8 PM, with a rosary service at 6:30 PM at Resurrection Funeral Home, 40800 Hayes Road, Clinton Township, MI 48038. Instate will take place Friday, May 31, 2024 at 10:30 AM, until time of funeral mass at 11 AM at St. Malachy Catholic Church, 14115 E 14 Mile Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48312. A chapel committal service will follow the church service at 12:15 PM at Resurrection Cemetery, 18201 Clinton River Rd, Clinton Township, MI 48038.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association.
