Obituary of Marie R. Merenda
Marie Merenda
Rochester – April 14, 2025, at age 89. Marie is survived by her five children, Joseph (Marcia) Merenda, Jr., Jean (John) Conway, Beth (Bill) Libera, Rosemarie (George) Visco, and Albert (Caroline) Merenda. She was a grandmother to 14 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, and she cherished her time with them deeply. Marie also leaves behind two siblings, Thomas Russo (Donna), JoAnne Whitney, and an extended family of many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Joseph Merenda, and her brothers, Michael Russo and Russell Russo.
Born in Rochester, NY, Marie made her home here in recent years after spending many years in Oakton, Virginia. She raised five children and then pursued her dream of higher education, earning both a bachelor's and master's degree in education from Nazareth College of Rochester, along with a post Master’s Certificate of Advanced Study from SUNY Brockport. Marie began her career as an elementary school teacher in the Rochester City Schools before moving to Northern Virginia, where she continued teaching and eventually became an elementary school principal. Her passion for education and her ability to connect with teachers, parents, and children made her an exceptional leader, mentor, and friend.
Marie and her husband, Joe, owned Pie Gourmet in Vienna, Virginia, and were dedicated ushers at the Kennedy Center in their spare time. After retiring, they moved back to the Rochester area to be closer to family and friends. Marie became an active member of her Canandaigua HOA, focusing on landscaping and planting flowers, bringing beauty to her community.
Marie had a love of reading and shared her gift as a volunteer with a local early readers organization and the Wood Library in Canandaigua. The University of Rochester Warner School of Education Horizons Program also benefited from her many contributions.
Marie, affectionately known as "mom" to many, loved hosting family and friends for meals at her home. Her culinary skills, particularly her pies and cheesecakes, were legendary, and she always ensured that everyone felt welcome at her table. She was an enthusiastic sports fan, supporting all her kids' events and cheering on their teams through high school and college.
Marie has been the anchor of our family, and her absence will be felt deeply. We will honor her memory with a memorial mass in late May, with the date and time to be announced. Entombment will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Rochester. Memorial contributions may be made to The Children's Agenda, 1 S. Washington St., Suite 120, Rochester, NY 14614; Horizons at Warner School, U of R, 500 Joseph C. Wilson Blvd., Le Chase Hall, Box 270425, Rochester, NY 14627; or Wood Library, 134 N. Main St., Canandaigua, NY 14424.
Her family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff at Highland Hospital for their compassion and professional care.
Marie leaves behind a legacy of dedication, not only to her family but also to the countless lives she touched through her work and community involvement.