Marie Ann Fancera

Marie Ann Fancera of Stuart Florida passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family on October 2, 2026 at the age of 91. Born December 22, 1934 in Newark, NJ to Michael and Helen (Soboto) Salerno. She was a devoted wife to husband Joe and a loving mother to her three children, Joseph, Mark, and Donna, and all six of her grandchildren who she absolutely adored.

Marie leaves behind a lasting legacy of a life filled with memories of her family. Everyone who knew her loved her kind, warm heart, bright smile, and wonderful sense of humor.

Marie attended high school in Newark, NJ where she was an honor student and majorette (baton twirler) in the marching band. After high school she met the love of her life, her soulmate Joe. They were married in 1957 at Saint Lucie’s Church in Newark, NJ for 68 wonderful years. They moved to Watchung, NJ where they raised their children, attended mass weekly at St. Mary’s Church, spent summer weekends down the Jersey shore and made lifelong friendships.

Before starting her family, she worked for many years at Lockheed Martin. From there, she was a stay at home mom who devoted her life to her husband and children. There was nothing she loved more than being there for her children and watching them grow. She was their biggest cheerleader proudly cheering them on from, wrestling mats to football, baseball and hockey fields. She celebrated their victories, encouraged them through challenges and was always there on the sidelines cheering a little louder and smiling a little prouder. Being their mother was one of her greatest joys in life. She made sure her children always knew how deeply they were loved, supported and believed in.

Marie loved deeply and found joy in simple things - getting lost in a good book, taking leisurely walks and most of all making cherished memories with her family and friends. Her greatest happiness came from the people she loved in the moments they shared together.

Marie and Joe loved to travel. Many school vacations were spent heading to different parts of Florida and visiting Disney World yearly. As the children grew older, Marie and Joe’s travels expanded and they were fortunate enough to visit many countries together. Being a devout catholic one of the most special and unforgettable moments were during a trip to Rome. Italy when they were at the Vatican and Pope John Paul II walked past them. It was truly an honor and a blessing.

When Marie and Joe retired, they moved down to the Jersey shore, where Marie joined the Rosary Society at Saint Pius X Catholic Church. They became snowbirds spending part of the year in Stuart, Fl. In 2019 they made the decision to become full-time residence of the sunshine state, embracing the warm beauty and the lifestyle they both loved - taking walks, going to the beach daily and enjoying dinners outside by the water with family and friends.

Marie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joe, who passed away in January 2026 after 68 wonderful years of marriage. Their love and life together were a cherished part of who she was, and his passing left a profound emptiness in her heart.

She is survived by her children, Joseph (MaryJane) Fancera, Mark Fancera (Patti Askew) and Donna (Dean) Koep. Grandchildren, Michaela (Brian) Cole, Taylor Fancera (Owen), Ryan Koep, Anthony Fancera, Nicole Fancera and Emily Fancera who she loved and was incredibly proud of each and everyone of them.

Marie was sweet, kind, nurturing, and strong with a wonderful witty personality. Her warm heart touched everyone who knew her. She had an incredible sense of humor and could always bring a smile and laughter to those around her. Her kindness, warmth and joyful spirit made her truly special and she will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

A celebration of life will be held on October 10, 2026 from 3:00-7:00 pm at Aycock Funeral Home, 6801 SE Federal Highway, Stuart, FL 34997.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Saint Jude's Children’s Research Hospital.