Marianne and I worked together in the resource center at Parkland Junior High School in Montgomery County Public Schools in the 70's.  She was a delightful person and a complete joy. I was looking to find her again, but sadly discovered she has passed away. In reading the other postings here, I see that she continued to be a significant influence in the lives of young people throughout her life. 

I had been meaning to write Ms Tonzi a letter, but now I will post it here. Dear Ms Tonzi, you probably don't remember me, but I was one of your English students at KJH Junior High back in the day. You are my favorite English teacher of all time because you made English interesting through your passion. You inculcated an interest in me to read and write and I went from being a lackluster English student to one who kept a 4.0 in college English. Besides that, because of your having us read Flowers for Algernon, I have been a life-long reader of Science Fiction as well as other genres of literature. While STILL not exactly a grammar expert, I have often been tasked with doing "wordsmithing" by my various places of employment because of my ability to be concise and creative. It saddens me that you are no longer with us, and it saddens me that I couldn't find you to send you this thank you. Thank you for being such a passionate, wonderful English teacher and human being. God Bless You.

Jerry,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your sister MARRIANNE,though we haven't been in contact for years, I remember as afun loving classmate, and I liked her spirit all through our school years.  She will be missed.

Her classmate and friend.,\,
Mary Jean Tortorello Allen
\Peachtree City GA

We will miss this lovely lady who spoke with a smile in her voice.
She had an amazing impact on our family. She had a warmth that made you feel you were special to her. Although our hearts are broken dearest Marianne left us with memories that will live on.

We were so sorry to hear of your loss.I know how much Danny loved her and how very special he was to her.Our prayers are with all of you and would love to hear from you.

Marianne was a wonderful, fun-loving person and dear friend to many.  After retiring from MCPS, Marianne worked as a teacher at the Lab School of Washington's Night School for Adults.  She was a truly gifted teacher who brought enthusiasm and talent to the school.  Her students loved her!  My condolences to her family and especially to her nephew, Danny, whom she loved so much.

We are so sorry for your loss.  We knew Marianne through Ellen McGovern and so admired her enthusiasm for life and beautiful smile.  Please accept our sincere condolences.

I've known and seen Marianne for many, many years at Ordway Gardens.  Always walking up the street to the stores or back to her apartment and she always said hi with enthusiasm and a genuine smile.  I will miss seeing her as will all of her friends and I'm sure all the dogs she knew by name will miss her too.

Jack and I are so deeply sorry to hear this sad news.  Marianne was the girl we all wanted to be.  Beautiful in every way.
Jack and Ann Searing Leide

OBITUARY

Marianne Tonzi

June 26, 1941 – December 4, 2014

Joseph Gawler’s Sons, LLC

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