Marianna Sarkis Bentley

Marianna Sarkis Bentley passed away suddenly on January 28, 2024. She was 48 years old. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, genuine warmth, wit, intelligence and incredible devotion to her family.

Marianna was born on February 16, 1975, in Brooklyn, New York, to Eshmail and Lucy Sarkis. She grew up in Staten Island with her younger siblings, sister, Christianna, and brother, Michael. She loved her family intensely and the numerous cats they raised together throughout her childhood.

Marianna attended Columbia University graduating with a degree in English in 1997. She continued her education at Brooklyn Law School, which she graduated from in 2002. She had a very successful career as a securities attorney at Hogan and Hartson (now Hogan Lovells), and later at Bloomberg Law, where she authored many significant articles on U.S. securities regulations.

In February 2006, she married James Bentley in a beautiful ceremony at St. Ann’s catholic church in Staten Island. Together, Marianna and James were overjoyed to welcome their two daughters, Caroline in 2008, and Jacqueline (Jackie) in 2010. Marianna’s love and affection for her children was palpable and limitless; her devotion absolute. She left her successful career to stay home and raise her daughters.

Marianna adored being with her children. She was immensely proud of her daughters and their many accomplishments. In addition to raising her daughters, she loved baking, reading, and taking care of the family cats. Marianna was a cat person through and through. She took time to volunteer in her community, teaching CCD classes at St. Philomena’s and volunteering on several committees through the PTO at Livingston Public Schools. Marianna was warm and gentle, adored by her family, friends, and community, universally regarded as a good soul.

Marianna was predeceased by her father, Eshmail, and younger brother Michael. She is survived by her husband, James, daughters Caroline and Jackie, sister Christianna Gorin, brother in law Neil Gorin, nephew Malek Gorin, and niece Eden Gorin. Her family will forever miss her gentle presence and will always carry her spirit with them.