Marie Ida Iwanski

Marie Ida Iwanski peacefully passed away on June 26, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Born on October 13, 1948, in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, Marie was the daughter of Veteran Adam J. Iwanski and Mary E. (McNamee) Iwanski. Raised in a family of 6 children her parents instilled in her the values of faith, integrity, compassion, and a strong Midwestern work ethic that remained with her throughout her life. She enjoyed helping the family in garden, assisting her mother with canning, and spending Wisconsin winters ice skating. She also loved tap dancing with her sister, Marcelle.

Marie achieved a Bachelors of Psychology from UW Sevens Point and a Masters of Rehabilitation Psychology from UW Madison. Her professional affiliations included International Platform Association (IPA), American Biographical Institute, & National Association for Female Executives (NAFE). She was recognized as one of 500 Notable Women, International Who’s Who of Professional & Businesswomen and Who’s Who in the Midwest.

She believed faith, family, and service to others were life's greatest blessings. She loved the arts, traveling, dancing, listening to fifties music, and never turned down a piece of good chocolate. Strong-willed and independent, Marie often insisted on doing things "Marie's way," yet those who knew understood that everything she did came from a heart filled with kindness, generosity.

Over 30 years ago, Marie made New Bern, North Carolina her home, where she quickly became an active member of the Church & Community. She faithfully worshipped at Saint Paul Roman Catholic Church and generously volunteered at Religious Community Services (RCS), the Knights of Columbus, Habitat for Humanity, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Catholic Daughters. She never passed up an opportunity to help others.

She is survived by her sisters, Margaret, RuthAnn, Marcelle, and her brother, David (Kay). Marie is preceded in death by her parents, Adam J. Iwanski and Mary E. (McNamee) Iwanski; her sister, Betti (Kevin); and her brother-in-law, Donald (Pete). She will be deeply missed by her nephews & nieces, Rafay (Sadaf), Timothy (Angela), Jake (Jena), Jessica (Nathan); great nieces & nephews Nisa, Nuraz, Lindsey (Adam), Cory (Sydney), Cali & Ivy; and great-great nephews Jack & John.

A Christian Mass & Burial celebrating Marie's life will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 11:00 am. at Saint Paul Roman Catholic Church, 3500 Country Club Road. New Bern, North Carolina. Family and friends are invited to a viewing from 10:00 am 11:00 am.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the physicians, nurses, Emergency Department, Neurology Inpatient team, and Comfort Care staff at CarolinaEast Medical Center whose compassion, professionalism, and kindness brought comfort to Marie and her loved ones during her final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Marie's memory to the above listed charitable organizations.

Cotten Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family and friends of Marie Ida Iwanski.