Marianne Nadler McGonigle

Marianne, the youngest daughter of Edward and Mary Nadler, was born on January 15, 1945, in Plainfield, NJ. Marianne lived a life defined by faith, family, service, gentility, and genuine love of learning. She grew up in Colonia, NJ before attending Rosemont College (Philadelphia, PA), an institution that would remain close to her heart throughout her life including serving as a board member of the college for several years. Marianne also received a master’s in art history from Texas Woman’s University.

Marianne’s Catholic faith was the guiding light of her life. She was a longtime and dedicated eucharistic minister at St. Rita Catholic Church in Dallas and generously gave her time to deliver communion to those unable to attend church services. She also served on the board of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School.

With a lifelong appreciation for art, history, and culture, Marianne shared her knowledge and enthusiasm with others as professor of art history at Brookhaven College (Dallas, TX). She delighted in experiencing the world firsthand, traveling extensively throughout her life.

Among Marianne’s great pleasures was tennis. She especially loved watching the sport with her sons, and attending Wimbledon with them was a particularly treasured experience—combining her love of travel, tennis, and, most importantly, time spent with family.

Above all else, Marianne cherished her family. She was a loving and devoted mother to her two sons, Patrick McGonigle, and Edward McGonigle, and warmly welcomed their wives, Meg and Brooke into the family. She took tremendous joy in being a grandmother to grandson, Ben, and granddaughter, Ryan. Marianne was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Nancy Jackson. She is survived by friend and father of her children, Oliver McGonigle.

Marianne’s friends were very important to her and many with her by her side during her last days on earth. Her family wishes to express their deep appreciation for her dear friend and caregiver, Kay Lovil. Kay was a constant source of love and encouragement throughout the journey of these last few years.

Marianne’s legacy will live on as the family has named a senior living community after her, The Marianne. Marianne was celebrated as she attended the groundbreaking ceremony earlier this year.

The family will remember Marianne for her devotion to her faith, her love of family, her generous spirit, her calm and warm kindness, her intellect and practicality, and the enthusiasm with which she embraced the world around her. From classrooms and volunteer work to faraway travels and afternoons spent watching tennis, Marianne lived a full and meaningful life, leaving those who loved her with countless memories to treasure.

A wake will be held in Marianne’s honor on Thursday, August 20th from 4pm to 6pm at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home.

A funeral mass will be held on Friday, August 21st at 12pm at St. Rita Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Our Lady of Perpetual Help School https://www.olphschooldallas.org