Mariann Sudzus

Mariann Sudzus passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026. Dance defined her life, and she leaves behind a legacy of rhythm, grace and an unwavering passion for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Mariann never knew a stranger, and her radiant smile and positive spirit could light up any room.

Born in 1929, in Bloomfield, New Jersey, she entered the world as a 2 ½ pound preemie with rickets and was adopted at birth. Encouraged by her grandfather who taught her several tap numbers, she took her first dance lessons at six years old and continued dancing for the next 8 decades. At Bloomfield High School she excelled in horseback riding and in playing the accordion, and during the war years she entertained at USO shows.

Mariann went on to found and operate three successful dancing schools in northern New Jersey. She nurtured generations of children, teaching not only movement and technique but also confidence, discipline and joy. Several of her students went on to careers on Broadway and television.

In 1995, Mariann and her second husband Peter Sudzus moved to Florida where she worked full time in the family business, the Patio Shoppe of Coral Springs. She continued to dance, taking classes at the Rock-ette Dance Academy (RDA) and later auditioning for The Original Florida Follies, a renowned performance troupe ages 55 and older. The Follies stage variety shows benefit children’s charities throughout Broward and Palm Beach Counties. She performed with them until she was 85 years old, reluctantly hanging up her dancing shoes but proudly passing her love of dance onto her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to Mariann’s loving companion and caregiver, Rosie Ogbourne. She was an angel whose kindness, engagement and dedication brought Mariann purpose and enjoyment during her final years.

Mariann was predeceased by her husband, Peter Sudzus, and by her infant son, Christopher Jacobus, who passed from Cerebral Palsy. She is survived by her daughter and best friend Marianne Dickerson and her husband Gary of Coral Springs, FL; her sons Wayne Jacobus and his wife Nancy of Edison, NJ, and Keith Jake Jacobus and his wife Ingrid of St. Petersburg, FL.

She is also survived by her grandchildren Dawn Marill, Chis Avallone, Jacki Cecere (Justin), Todd Jacobus (Debbie), Travis Jacobus (Jonon), Emily Edwers (Josh), Sean Jacobus and J. Scott Jacobus. Great-grandchildren include Marissa Marill, Sabrina Marill, Avery Avallone, Logan Avallone, River Elbayar, Gage Stiles, Sawyer Stiles, Braxton Jacobus, Kaiden Jacobus, Molly Jacobus, Peyton Cecere, Joey Cecere, and Sophia Edwers.

Mariann will be remembered Wednesday, January 28, 2026 with services at Kraeer Funeral Home, 1655 University Drive, Coral Springs, FL. Visitation will take place from 5;00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a prayer service and eulogies at 7:00 p.m.

The Mass of Christian Burial to honor Mariann Sudzus will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 1401 Coral Ridge Drive, Coral Springs.

Committal will follow at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Cemetery 1500 South State Road 7, North Lauderdale, FL 33068.

In lieu of flowers donations to the Shriners Hospitals for Children in memory of Mariann Sudzus are appreciated, a link is provided below.