Marie A. (Pecorari) Kropiwnicki

Marie Kropiwnicki passed away on April 7, 2022 after a courageous battle with cancer. Beloved wife of Thomas Kropiwnicki who was by her side when she passed.  Devoted mother of Vanessa. Cherished grandmother of Aubrey and Jezebel. Marie is also survived by her dear friends, "The Girls."  Loving daughter of the late Primo and Ann (Solari) Pecorari.  Marie was a wonderful, generous woman who never had an unkind word for anyone.  She deeply loved her family, friends, and pets, and they deeply loved her and will be sorely missed by all her knew her. 

At the family’s request, all services will be privately held. 

A Lovely Tribute to a Dear Friend 

by Joan Consolmagno

Dear Family & Friends,

Thank you for gathering here today to celebrate Marie’s life.

Today is a somber one for all of us who knew and loved Marie; but, it is also a time to honor a beautiful life which she lived so well.  Marie was a loving daughter, niece to her Aunt Rosie, grandmother to Aubrey and Jezebel, a friend to all.  She was a caring and nurturing pet parent to many cats and dogs.

We, gathered here this morning on this Good Friday, express our deepest sympathy to her family and friends.

It is also a time to reflect on how she impacted our lives with her love, kindness, generosity, and compassion.  I, for one, have known Marie since college.  Even then, she exuded the courage to explore the unknown, try new things, aim for the stars, and develop a work ethic that would make her an extraordinary teacher for decades to come of young children for whom she loved as her own.

On retirement, she continued to explore her dreams wanting to work in a bake shop.  Marie was so good at it!  Our waistlines expanded as proof of her talents from the delicious goodies that she baked.

Marie had a whimsical side to her, too.  She was an avid hobbyist in dollhouse collections, and traveled to England for shows there.  She developed her craft in the design and creation of many magical and artisan quality works in miniature.

On a trip to California, we stopped into the Hollywood Wax Museum.  We took pictures with Spiderman, even mimicking his climb up the side of a building and photos in the oval office of the President.  It was a memorable moment in time filled with silly antics and childlike giggles.  This adventure among the stars proved to me that her light sparkled in an effervescent glow that would surround her in anything that she aspired to achieve.

She, also, had a love for horses.  At a young age, she became an accomplished equestrian.  A photo of her astride on a majestic horse radiates Marie's beautiful soul, her inward spirit.  She reminisced about that little cowgirl when we bought mug glasses in the shape of cowgirl boots.

An avid reader of all literary genres, such as mystery, suspense, and thrillers, she would share her vast library with friends who would pass them on for others to enjoy.

A favorite sport was watching the New England Patriots.  Marie would quiz her friends on the games.  These quizzes would outsmart even the best players in the league.  To us, she will always hold the MVP award for lifetime achievement.

She was a member of what I affectionately call, "The Fab Five."  No, not a rock, hip-hop, or reggae band; but, those of her colleagues: Sheila, Marlene, Judy, and Joan.  They are more of a classical act in which Marie comprised the Overture to a symphonic orchestra.

Marie revered all of nature from the beautiful coastal regions in Maine to the waterfalls, lakes, rivers, streams, mammoth mountain ranges and wildlife that spread throughout our country.  There are many of God's artistic tapestries on earth as we gazed in awe at the natural wonders of the Colorado Rockies, the Dakotas, Yellowstone and the Grand Teton, as well as the Yosemite Valley in California.

Her last words to me were: "I love you, Joan."  Words that, I'm sure, she used uttering your name as well.

At this Easter season, let us remember that God promised an eternal life through the sacrifices of His son, Jesus, on the cross.  At one point, Jesus cried out to His Father: "Into your hands, I commend my spirit."  On His death, the sky opened up, the rain swept down from the dark clouds, and the winds roared.

On the night Marie passed, she had called out: "God, take me!"  That night, the skies also opened up with heavy rain, thunder, and wind.  The analogy is dynamic and breathtaking!

As a religious woman, Marie was comforted by holding her rosaries close to her at her bedside.  It is our hope and prayer that when she meets God, He will lay His gentle hand on her.  Say to her, "My child, I am well pleased.  Your job has been well done."  At that moment, may the Angels herald her into the Heavenly Kingdom.

She would want us to dry our tears and remember her with love and laughter.  May God bless her and give her peace.

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