Marianna Joan Klein

Born the eldest of seven children, in Philadelphia, PA to the late Walter and Anna Mae (Crockenberg) Cleary, she is also preceded in death by the love of her life for 52 years, her husband, the late Col. William J. Klein, M.D. She is survived by her children Katherine, Matthew (Rachelle), Thomas, and Ruth (Anne), as well as five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Marianna earned her nursing certificate and worked for several years in the NICU before starting a family and becoming a full time mother and military spouse. She enjoyed travel, especially to Ireland and Europe. Her love of Ireland, and dedication to both her faith and St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church (Wilde Lake) allowed her to meet her 2 “Irish sons” Sean and Kieran McCartney through the exchange student program—a kinship that would continue for over 25 years. In her later years, Marianna enjoyed chatting with life long friends and cherished spending time with her great-grand children, her treasured angel Miyorker, and her cat Frank. She will be truly missed and no doubt is already cuing up the best seat in the house for her beloved Fighting Irish from Notre Dame!

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m., January 28, 2023, at St. John the Evangelist Roman Catholic Church (10431 Twin Rivers Road, Columbia, MD. 21044) with a Funeral Repast immediately following in the church hall. In accordance with Marianna’s wishes she will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery alongside her husband at a future date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Disabled American Veterans Organization (P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 or www.dav.org) Memorial tributes can be shared at Witzke’s Funeral Home page www.witzkefuneralhomes.com