Marilee Hierspiel, also known as “Whatshername”, was born on July 19, 1934 in East St. Louis, Illinois. She was our Queen, our Matriarch, and the “Head of our Hen Party” (Female line of Family order). Originally from the Midwest, Marilee came from a long line of farmers and coalminers. She spent her youth helping on the farm on weekends and summers, she inherited her families’ trait of hard work. Marilee was the youngest of three children and often admitted that she was “spoiled” with enormous love and attention from her family. She had a heart of gold, her heart was nurtured from the Midwest culture but her toughness came from New Jersey. Later in her childhood, her family migrated to New Jersey in seek of work and opportunity. She was a “Jersey Lady”, that would tell you the way things were and not hold back; Even those moments were stemmed from love.
Marilee was stunningly beautiful, she had a smile that was illuminating, her love for her family had no boundaries, she loved unconditionally. No matter what disappointments a person may bring, one would always have her in their corner, rooting for your comeback. Once asked of Marilee, “What is God’s role for you here on earth?”, she answered, “To be a Good Mother and a Good Wife”. Life was that simple for her. Mom was free spirited and was filled with spunk. Her earlier adult life was celebrated with huge neighborhood gatherings, dancing in the basement on Willow Avenue and big BBQ block parties. Retirement was spent in Florida, trips visiting children and grandchildren, countless cruises on the high seas and motorcycle trips: She even made it to Sturgis on the back of the motorcycle with the “love of her life”, her husband, Tucker.
It is almost impossible to speak of Marilee without mentioning her “soul mate”, Tucker. They shared the ultimate love story which was told by Dad a million times. This “true love” story was told to cashiers at neighborhood pharmacies, to the staff at Chinese take-out restaurants and to Bikers at biker rallies. It always began with him reaching into his wallet to pull out their precious wedding picture and then proceed about how they met in the sixth grade and the story continues for more than sixty plus amazing years. Their love was mesmerizing and it doesn’t end here, their pure love transcends to their entire family and all whom ever knew of them.
Mom passed away on January 18, 2019, surrounded by her family, both near and far. We comforted her and traveled with her as far as we could go. With great confidence, we know that her adoring husband received her with open arms and guided her to Heaven’s path. She was preceded by Thomas “Tucker” Hierspiel, survived by four children, Donna Winn and Donald Gartner of North Fort Myers , FL, Lynn and Walter Kosmowski of Old Bridge, NJ, Thomas F. Hierspiel of North Fort Myers, FL and Marianne Thomas Hierspiel of Norfolk, VA, and Stacy and Manny Hermina of Cape Coral, FL. Also survived by ten grandchildren; Stephanie Brazeau, Tina Lee Hierspiel, Thomas J. Hierspiel, Joseph D. Fries, John B. Hierspiel, Danielle Walsh, Jasmine Hermina, Katrina Gartner, Chloe Hermina and Lantana Hermina. She also had 13 great-grandchildren.
Mom was a champion of love and she was cherished by her family and friends. We will miss you Mom, with every bit of our existence; as you said at each closing, “Angels Around You”. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org
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