Marianne Covalence Bierwisch

Marianne Bierwisch, age 74, passed away on August 19, 2016 at the Crystal Coast Hospice after a long illness. Marianne was born in Orange, New Jersey to Theodore and Marion Covalence. In 1960 she married her lifelong sweetheart and husband of 55 years, Ernst Bierwisch. A graduate of Irvington High School in New Jersey, she later earned a professional certification in computer programming from Chubb Institute. She worked as a programmer for a national insurance company while managing a household and raising her three children. Marianne was an artist, seamstress, avid gardener and book lover. In her retirement she took on the intricate craft of bird carving and also worked for 16 years as a library volunteer at Brinson Memorial Elementary School. Marianne loved music and was a member of the Fairfield Harbor Chorus from 1989 until 2015. She was a violinist from her teenage years and chose to learn to play the piano in her fifties. An avid traveler, she was always ready for a new adventure.

Marianne is survived by her husband Ernst along with daughters Charlene Lentini and her husband John of Beachwood, New Jersey; Valerie Nasser and her husband Ed of New Bern, and son Keith Bierwisch of Somerville, New Jersey. Marianne also had six loving grandchildren and one great-grandson born August 11: John Wilson, wife Clara and son Elliot James Wilson; Glen Wilson and wife Philomena; Andreas and Aaron Nasser, and Dominic and Elizabeth Bierwisch. She is also survived by her brother Ted Covalence and his wife Joyce of Andover Township, New Jersey along with their daughter Brenda Perez, husband Leon and children Sophia and Evan.

Marianne was a faithful member of the New Apostolic Church in Garner. She was best defined by her devotion and kindness to others.

A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 23 at Cotten Funeral Home. The family will receive guests at 6 p.m. and also at an on-site reception immediately following the service. Inurnment at Greenleaf Memorial Park at 11 a.m. on Wednesday.

Memorials may be made to:

SECU Crystal Coast Hospice Center

100 Big Rock Weigh

Newport, NC 28570

New Apostolic Church USA

3753 North Troy Street

Chicago, IL 60618-4594

Brinson Memorial Elementary School LIBRARY

319 Neuse Forrest Ave

New Bern, NC 28560

Arrangements by Cotten Funeral Home & Crematory

Online condolences may be made to the Bierwisch family at www.cottenfuneralhome.c