Marianne Knifong

Marianne Joan Knifong, 85 years of age, passed away Thursday, August 24th, 2023 at St. Michael Medical Center in Silverdale, Washington. Marianne was born February 2nd, 1938 in Olean, New York to the late John and Helen Murdzia. She was the eldest of seven children; four siblings preceded her in death. The family moved from Olean, New York to Ferndale, Washington in 1954 where Marianne completed her senior year of high school at Ferndale High School. She then went on to Saint Joseph’s Hospital School of Nursing in Bellingham, Washington, where she worked with many patients daily in Tuberculosis, Pediatrics, and Psychiatry services. Marianne completed nursing school and became a Registered Nurse. Marianne married the late Joseph Lewis Knifong on May 18, 1963 in Bellingham, Washington and later moved to Bremerton, Washington. Marianne professed her love for Jesus Christ at an early age and was a proud homemaker and member of Star of the Sea Catholic Church for 60 years until her passing.

Marianne loved to sing, was a part of the Church Choir for many decades, and made many lasting friendships in her Parish Community. She was very fond of her membership in the Young Ladies’ Institute.

Marianne loved to garden, spend time outdoors, go to the beach, and play with her “grandpuppies” Olaf, Padme, and Anakin. Marianne was a very giving person and loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, family, and friends. She loved talking about Jesus and the Catholic Church. Marianne had a good sense of humor and more often than not, a smile lit up her face, as well as those around her.

Marianne was preceded in death by two of her children: Tommy Knifong in 1980 and Joseph A. Knifong in 2021. Her remaining children daughter Nancy Widdifield, sons Phillip and Gerald Knifong, grandchildren Alainna, Elizabeth, Sophie, Autumn, and April, sister Marcia Riler and brother Donald J. Murdzia will cherish her loving memory. Marianne’s final resting place will be at Miller-Woodlawn in Bremerton, Washington.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Star of the Sea Catholic Church.