Marie Counihan Dorzuk, 94, was born in Washington, PA on December 25, 1921. She was born to Frank Counihan and Mary Jennings, one of 13 children. She was raised in western Pennsylvania and graduated, cum laude from Mt. Gallitzin Academy in Baden, Pennsylvania which was a prep school for girls who wished to enter the convent. However, God had other plans for Marie. She met Walter E. Dorzuk, her “Polish Prince” and they were married on June 12, 1943 when he was stationed in Cape Girardeau MO. After World War II they settled in the Atlantic City area of New Jersey. After Walter’s death in 2004, Marie moved to St. Petersburg, FL with her daughter and son-in-law.
Marie is survived by her son, Dennis (June) Dorzuk of Egg Harbor Township, NJ; her daughter, Patricia (Michael) Iandoli of St. Petersburg, FL; grandson, Brian (Patty) Dorzuk of Hancock, ME, and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom will miss her delightful sense of humor and Irish wit!
Walter and Marie enjoyed playing golf and going on casino bus trips. Marie did sewing alterations out of her home and later worked as a supervisor at Presidential Insurance Company. After retirement she enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Europe with her sisters where they surely left lasting impressions wherever they went. She also volunteered at the Shore Memorial Hospital Thrift Store and she was also a poll worker at the Atlantic County Board of Elections.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Marie Dorzuk will take place at St. Raphael Catholic Church on Friday February 19, 2016 at 9:30 AM. Following the Mass, Marie will be laid to rest next to her husband, Walter, at Holy Cross Cemetery in Hamilton Township, NJ.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers to please make a donation in Marie’s honor to the Sisters of St. Joseph.
Sisters of St. Joseph
1020 State St.
Baden, PA 15005
Friends and family are invited to share a memory and sign her guestbook below.
God has surely blessed us with my Aunt Marie’s presence in our lives! Patti and Denny your mom was so wonderful with the best smile and sense of humor! She is brightening up the heavens with lots of laughter!! I know you will miss her deeply as will we all – love and prayers to you!
I’m so sorry for your loss. It looks like she lived a wonderful life. It’s no wonder she raised such a wonderful daughter. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Deepest sympathy Patti and Mike and to your family also. Your Mom was in good hands with you and I’m sure shell be in your heart forever. May she RIP
Jutta
Patti and Mike,
I am truly sorry to hear about Marie passing. I only had the pleasure of meeting her twice but she was someone I will never forget and I am so very lucky to have known her. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this trying time. May she rest in peace.
Dear Patti & Mike. Jim & I were so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. You were a wonderful loving and caring daughter. May she rest in peace.
I have the fondest memories of Aunt Marie and Uncle Walt, two of my favorite relatives growing up. When they would visit I would listen intently to anything Uncle Walt said, he was so animated. Aunt Marie had the best sense of humor and when she was in company with Aunt Rita and my mother, there was great hilarity. What a beautiful couple. Thoughts and prayers to Denny and Patty.
I remember going to visit Aunt Marie and Uncle Walt during summer vacations and they would come down to visit us in the winter. There was always laughter and good times when they were around. The reunion that Patti and Mike put on was the best, Aunt Marie had “props” to tell us stories of our great grandparents, Uncle Walt coming to pick her up for a date, and more! She is the last of an awesome generation and I will miss her. Patti and Mike, Aunt Marie was so blessed to have you as caregivers, God Bless you both!
Patti & Mike we are so sorry for your loss. We loved Mrs Dorzuk. She was such a great lady, truly one of a kind. She was lucky to have you both taking such good care of her for all these years. Rest in peace Mrs Dorzuk. We will miss you!
I am so sorry about the loss of my beautiful Great Aunt Marie. The few times I saw her were some of the best times of my life. She somehow helped me to know and feel closer to my Grandfather, her big brother, who died before I was born. She even gave me some of his writings and correspondence–including a poem he had written to their parents (my Great Grandparents), enticing them to relocate to Florida from Erie, PA, titled, “St. Petersburg Is Calling You!” St. Pete has called many Counihans through the years, including Aunt Marie, who I know had many happy years there with Patti and Mike. I am so grateful to her–I, and my siblings, treasure those writings to this day. What a gracious and generous Spirit…a bright light whose absence is felt even a thousand miles away in Maryland. Sincere Condolences.
Patricia and Dennis,
On behalf of Veterans Funeral Care, I wish to offer my condolences and prayers for the passing of your mother. Thank you for allowing us to care for her at this difficult time.
God Bless