Marie Polomene Merenda, a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, and great grandmother, passed away on August 4th, 2023, at the age of 94 at her home in Bryan, Texas. She leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and cherished memories.

Marie was born on Staten Island, New York and grew up as the eldest of two children in a close-knit family. After graduating from Curtis High School, Marie attended Hunter College and Drakes Drafting School before working eight years for Babcock & Wilcox Power Boilers as a cost and schedule estimator. On November 9th, 1952, she married Alfred (Al) Merenda. Their relationship together lasted 67 years until his death in 2019. Her greatest joy in life was in being a mother to her two children, Linda Stearns of College Station, Texas and Ken Merenda of Woodland Park, Colorado. She poured her heart and soul into their upbringing, actively participating in their education and extracurricular activities. The love and support she showed for her children and grandchildren knew no bounds.

In 1972, Marie and Al joined with the families of Al’s co-workers at Raymond International, moving to Houston, Texas.

In 1975, Marie returned to the business world working in a retail sales position at Palais Royal. Not long afterward, she played a substantial role in raising her grandchildren, dutifully sacrificing personal affairs in her unwavering commitment to family. At St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Church, Marie was active in the Senior Friends Ministry. Her favorite hobbies, cooking and knitting, greatly contributed to the enjoyment of these church and family events.

In 2013, Al and Marie moved from Houston to Bryan, Texas where they would live out their remaining years in the close company of their children and grandchildren.

Marie will be remembered as a woman of unwavering love, strength, and devotion. Her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, and all those who were fortunate to have known her. She will be deeply missed, but forever cherished in our hearts.

Marie is preceded in death by her husband, Al Merenda; her mother, Jenny Cicala Polomene; her father Joseph Polomene; and her brother, Anthony Polomene. She is survived by her daughter Linda Merenda Stearns, and husband Hugh; her son, Ken Merenda, and wife Joy; her grandchildren, Heather Merenda Frazier and husband Michael, Kenneth Merenda II and partner Oscar Morales, Kira Stearns, Mareya Stearns, and Justin Howard and wife, Annel; her great grandchildren Devin Rodriguez, Gavin Rodriguez, and Liam Howard; and by numerous other cherished relatives and friends.

A celebration of Marie’s life to be led by her great nephew, Father Andrew Vitrano Farinato, is scheduled at St. Ignatius (7810 Cypresswood Drive in Spring, Texas) on Tuesday, October 3rd followed by a graveside service at Resurrection Cemetery on Staten Island on Friday, October 6th.

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