Obituary of Marie E. DePre

Marie Elizabeth DePre, aged 70, died peacefully in her sleep on February 6, 2017 at Inspira Medical Center in Vineland NJ. She had been hospitalized for a month and a half after a twelve year battle with Alzheimer's Disease. Marie was born April 24, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Joseph Curatolo and Olga Yankanich. Marie thoroughly enjoyed being a wife, mother and homemaker. She was a dedicated daughter and sister. She lost her father and a sister at a very early age and was forced to step up and help her mother with household chores and responsibilities, as well as helping to raise her younger sister. Marie graduated from a business school and landed a job as a secretary at an insurance agency. In April of 1975, Marie gave birth to her only child, a daughter named Deneen. In 1976, Marie met the love of her life, Joseph F. DePre, after an eighteen month courtship, they married on October 1, 1977. Joseph legally adopted her daughter and the family moved to Runnemede NJ and many years later, relocated to Pine Hill NJ. Joseph was an automotive mechanic and often worked two jobs so that Marie could stay home and raise their daughter. Marie loved to cook, bake, sew and spend time with her husband and daughter. She even created homemade clothes for Deneen and her Barbie dolls. Marie also enjoyed decorating cakes. She was very talented, creative and thoughtful. Once her daughter was in high school, Marie returned to the workforce, this time in retail sales. She got a job at Kmart where her daughter was also employed. After several years, she transferred a few doors down when Babies 'R Us opened, where she worked until she became disabled. Marie had a strong faith and had been an active member of St. Teresa's Catholic Church for many years. Marie was predeceased by her father, Joseph; mother, Olga; sister, Joann; and husband Joseph. Marie is survived by her sister, Debbie; daughter, Deneen; two nieces, Tiffany and Alycia; granddaughter, Alexis; brother-in-law, Gene; and a number of other relatives and friends. Friends and family will be received for a memorial service in her honor at DeMarco-Luisi Funeral Home, 2755 S. Lincoln Ave., Vineland on Friday, February 17, 2017 from 6pm to 8pm with a service at 7pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a memorial scholarship fund to be established in her name. The scholarship will be awarded to a deserving student at the school where her daughter teaches who embodies similar character traits to Marie. Donations can be sent to Cunningham Academy, Attention Deneen DePre, 315 S. East Ave., Vineland, NJ 08360.