Marian R Brock

Marian R. Brock, 77, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2015 in Altamonte Springs, Florida. Marian was born on January 29, 1938 in Orlando, FL, and was a lifelong resident of Central Florida. Her parents were Charlie and Josephine Riecken. She attended Fern Creek Elementary School, Cherokee Junior High School and Boone High School before matriculating to Florida State University, in Tallahassee, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education. While attending FSU, Marian joined the Sigma Kappa sorority, ultimately serving as the Chapter President, and she remained active in that organization throughout her life, deriving great joy and comfort from the camaraderie and fellowship of her. While at FSU, Marian also met Ron whom she married shortly after graduation and who became the love of her life. After they were married, Ron and Marian moved to St. Petersburg and Marian worked for several years as an elementary school teacher, which she enjoyed tremendously. However, Marian’s true desire was to be a mother and she soon embarked on that role for which she was clearly destined. Marian was completely devoted to her family and thoroughly enjoyed the challenging but rewarding task of wife and mother. She raised 3 children whom she blessed with the knowledge that they were always loved and protected. She and Ron were inseparable, completely in love and totally devoted to each other, throughout their marriage. Marian was so proud of her grandchildren, spoiled them shamelessly, and made sure that they would always have wonderful memories of their times spent with her. Marian believed that she had been blessed with a happy and fortunate life and so she thought it important for her to give back to the community. Accordingly, she was an active participant in several charitable and civic organizations, including the Orlando Day Nursery and the guardian ad litem program. She derived great comfort from her religious faith, initially attending St Luke’s Cathedral as a young woman with her Aunt Nellie, and ultimately becoming a devoted member of the New Covenant Anglican Church. Marian enjoyed gardening, her family trips to the North Carolina Mountains, the occasional sweet treat and a good mystery tale (book or television). She was most happy spending time with her family and friends, letting her grandchildren win at card games, laughing, telling stories and living life to the fullest. She always had tremendous empathy and concern for others and you could count on her for an encouraging word or sympathetic ear. Her gentle spirit, genuine smile and kind heart will be missed by all of us that had the good fortune to know and love her. Marian is survived by Charles Ronald Brock, her loving husband of 55 years; her three children Charles “Chuck” Brock of Charlotte, NC, Elizabeth Roper of Orlando, FL, and Chris Brock of Lake Mary, FL; her four grandchildren Alex, McKensey, Christopher and Cameron; her siblings Josephine Pitts and Chris Riecken; and all of the rest of us who knew and admired her as a friend and role model. A memorial service to celebrate Marian’s life will be held on Friday, December 4, 2015 at 11.00 am at New Covenant Anglican Church, 800 Tuskawilla Rd, Winter Springs, FL, 32708. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice of the Comforter, 480 W. Central Pkwy, Altamonte Springs, FL, 32714.