Marie Strong

In Loving Memory of Marie Strong

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Marie Strong, who left us peacefully on January 18, 2025. Born on March 11, 1932, in Leicester Junction, Vermont, Marie was a beloved wife and mother and a cherished member of the community in the many places where she lived.

Marie was raised in Vermont country setting by Frank and Rachel (Foley) Mussaw along with her sister, Wilda and two brothers, Frank Jr. and Oscar. Her parents instilled in her a strong sense of hospitality and hard work. She graduated in 1949 from Brandon High School. With strong secretarial skills she worked for several businesses, most notably Weiler Associates, her husband Donald Strong’s Survey Company in Connecticut,

Marie loved and enjoyed time with her two daughters, Gail (predeceased) and Louise. She loved doing projects and crafts together with them. She also enjoyed time with her four grandchildren, Amy Bret, Carlie and Kelsey and godchild, London. In addition, she has four special great-grandchildren, Rachael, Ethan, Evan and Derrick.

Marie was known for her unwavering commitment to the community. She participated in various church ministries as a Eucharistic Minister, Bereavement Minister, participating in Scripture Study, and was active in a Small Christian Community for many years. In addition, Marie donated an amazing 15.5 gallons of blood to the Red Cross and United Blood Service. She encouraged others to donate blood, which is so desperately needed.

In her free time, Marie enjoyed a great many hobbies and interests. Marie had an incredible zest for life. She was an avid roller-skater, bowler, took pilot lessons and soloed, a creative artist who enjoyed painting, sewing, whittling, and decorating the house with weeds, sticks, bird nests, mushrooms and empty wasp nests. She wrote beautiful poems and stories about nature, her life and her family and friends. She loved to draw, loved to cook elegantly, and enjoyed having company at her home. She never met a stranger. If anyone needed a meal, a place to stay or a good laugh, her door was always open. This included special Olympians from Kazakhstan, the pastor’s family from Poland, but most especially her grandkids for the summer. And Marie loved to travel, visiting all 50 states. Her very favorite place to visit was Jerusalem. Marie spent many years taking care of her beloved husband Donald Strong (predeceased) as he battled many illnesses after their move to Albuquerque,

 A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated for Marie Strong on Monday, February 17, at 11AM at Santa Maria de la Vid (Norbertine) Abbey Church, 5825 Coors Road Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87121. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving blood to the United Blood Services of Albuquerque or a donation to the Red Cross.

Marie never lost her zest for life even during her long-term Alzheimer’s Disease. Her captivating stories, her enthusiasm for living, and her endless smile will always remain with us. She will be deeply missed.