Marie Mierswa

Marie Gerarda Mierswa, a dedicated and beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt and dear friend, died on Thursday, May 14, 2020. She was 88 years old.

Marie (known as Gerry to all) is survived by her loving husband, Tom, of 67 years, her sister, Barbara, four children, Therese (Tom, deceased), Michelle (Bob), Thomas (Nancy) and Charles (Julia), ten grandchildren (who lovingly call her “Manga”), Jennifer (Dan), Katie (Mike), Sara, Michael (Kate), Matthew (Regina), Georgia (Andrew), Peter (Kelli), Elizabeth (Justin), Brian (Kameryn) and Philip, and three great-grandsons, Jack, Ben and Kieran, along with wonderful nieces and her dear friends.

A native of Long Island, NY, she was a long time resident of Port Washington and more recently Miller Place. Gerry loved to sing during the holidays, on family trips and even when doing daily chores.  On St. Patrick’s Day, 1949, Gerry met Tom and their story began. They were married on June 20, 1953, after Gerry's graduation from Notre Dame College in Staten Island while Tom was serving in the Army and became the official "Tom and Gerry" team! From that day forward, Gerry was always Tom’s “Angel #1.”   Through 67 years, Tom and Gerry experienced the best that marriage could bring as they shared life “through all kinds of weather.”  Gerry was very involved in her children’s lives, serving as a Girl Scout leader and a Boy Scout den mother, running a CCD program and engaging in the PTA.  She loved having a house filled with her children's friends.  Gerry had a great sense of humor and loved a good laugh. She was an excellent cook, making dishes from around the world, and taught her grandchildren to make crepes and fresh strawberry jam.  Gerry earned at the age of 50 her master's degree in special education from C.W. Post College and enjoyed a second career as a special education teacher at Shelter Rock School.  Gerry taught us all to appreciate our blessings and often said, "If you put your mind to it ... you can do anything!"  As a woman of strong faith, she is our special angel watching over us.  

There will be a grave-side burial service for Gerry on Monday, May 18, at Christ the King Cemetery, Franklin Lakes, NJ.  Due to COVID-19 restrictions, attendance will be limited to family members.  When virus restrictions are lifted, a memorial service celebrating Gerry's life will be scheduled at the Church of the Presentation, Upper Saddle River, NJ. 

We ask that you offer an act of kindness in Gerry's name. For those who would like to make a donation in her memory, please consider donating to St Francis Breadline, www.stfrancisbreadline.org, and Maryknoll Sisters, www.maryknollsisters.org.