Marianne Strizak

Marianne Strizak, 85, of Rockville, MD passed away on June 22, 2026 at home surrounded by those who cherished her. Lovingly known as 'M', she was born on July 1, 1940 in Johnstown, PA. Raised mainly by her dedicated mother, she was the oldest of five children.

After graduating high school in 1959, she entered nursing school in Washington, PA. The next three years prepared Marianne for her 48 year career as a registered nurse. For 46 years, her dedication to the nursing profession was appreciated by many of her colleagues in the Emergency Room at Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC. On her last day in the ER in 2010, she walked down a hallway lined with cheering co-workers who sent her off into a happy retirement.

On November 28, 1964 in Nemacolin, PA, she married the love of her life Paul Andrew Strizak. Their lifetime union displayed the true meaning of a blessed partnership.

Marianne is survived by her husband of 61 years Paul, her daughter Mary E. Howe and beloved grandson Andrew J. Howe, both of Sykesville, MD, sister Katherine M. Rao (Muni Reddy) of Napa, California, brother James T. Armstrong (Kerry Kearney) of Sewickley, Pennsylvania, several nieces and nephews, and close friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jim Armstrong (1991) and Janet A. Bulger (2019), her precious daughter Judith A. Strizak (1983), sisters Patricia Russin (2021) and Linda Behling (2025).

Marianne's greatest pleasure was traveling the world with her family and friends. From one side of the globe to the other, each new adventure grew more glorious than the last. She found experiencing new cultures to be a gift. A gift she never took for granted, often saying how fortunate she was to be able to witness how others, in this world, lived.

For over half of her life, she spent time each summer reading a good book on the beach. Her special place was Martha's Vineyard. She marveled in its beauty- on island time with her family and closest friends.

Marianne will be remembered for her steadfast devotion to her family, her quiet faith, and her overwhelming desire to live her life in the service of others.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or the Washington Hospital School of Nursing in Washington, PA.