Obituary of Marianne Turczyn

Marianne Turczyn, 79, of Utica, returned home to the loving arms of the Lord on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at MVHS- St. Luke’s campus in New Hartford.

     Marianne is survived by her devoted sweetheart Bill White of Rome, NY, children Steve Turczyn and his wife Pam of Burnt Hills, NY., Karen Trapanick and her husband Ben of Hyde Park, MA., four cherished grandchildren Alex and Kate Turczyn, Jack and Natalie Trapanick, sister Cathy Toscano and her husband Lou, brothers Ted Scheiderich and his wife Susan, Bill Scheiderich and his companion Joe, and several nieces and nephews.

     Marianne was born in Utica, New York, on September 23, 1943, the daughter of the late Victor and Victoria (Novak) Scheiderich.  She was raised in Utica and was a graduate of St. Francis de Sales.  She attended Utica State School of Nursing where she received her degree as a Registered Nurse.  She was employed by Oneida County Visiting Nurses and several doctors and pediatricians.  At one time Marianne was united in marriage to Joseph Turczyn of New York Mills, NY and was blessed with two children.  After raising her children, she returned to college to earn her master’s degree in health systems management from SUNY Polytechnic Utica/Rome.  She was then employed with Oneida County Early Intervention Services for more than a decade.  

    Marianne thoroughly enjoyed baking and cooking.  Her freezer was always overflowing with large batches of homemade soups and chowders.  You were not allowed to leave without having a "meal to go".  Everyone could always count on arriving on a fresh batch of muffins, banana bread or babka.  Even her mechanics looked forward to her home baked treats when she brought her car in for service!  She was a lifelong learner with many interests, taking up curling, quilting, and kayaking as a member of WOW (Women on Water) in retirement.  She loved sewing and gardening, taking great pride in the decorating and upkeep of her home.  There was always a knitting, crochet or quilt project underway for a family member, newborn or someone in need.  She loved taking trips with her sweetheart Bill, trying homestyle "mom n pop" restaurants, Friday fish frys, bakeries (especially those known for their jelly buns), and seeking out an estate sale or antique shop along the way.

    Marianne's strong Catholic faith guided the way she lived her life right up to the very end.  She valued faith and family above all else.  She was always generous and believed strongly in helping others which led to many volunteer activities, especially for Mother Marianne's West Side Kitchen, Historic Old St. John's Church, Restore-Habitat for Humanity and the Stanley Theater.  She and Bill enjoyed attending many musical productions together across NYS theaters.

    Her true passion was her grandchildren, and she loved bragging about them to anyone who would listen.  She was a firm believer in the importance of a good education.  She was thrilled to support each of them on an individual level (as only a Gramma/Nana can do) as well as financially and took great pride in each of them pursuing their college careers.

    She was an inspiration to all that were blessed to know and experience her love.  We are in awe of her strength, effort and determination, particularly over the last few months of her unexpected health battle. We know without a doubt in our hearts, Heaven is overflowing with fresh baked breads and muffins, Afghans and plenty more gorgeous flower gardens.

    Visitation for relatives and friends is Friday, May 26, 2023, from 8:30AM to 9:30AM at the Heintz Funeral Service, Inc., 408 Herkimer Road, Utica, NY.  Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to a Mass of Christian Burial following visitation at 10AM from Historic Old St. John’s Church, 240 Bleecker Street, Utica, NY.  She will be laid to rest with her parents in St. George’s Cemetery, Whitesboro.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Marianne's memory to Mother Marianne's West Side Kitchen, 702 Columbia Street, Utica NY., 13502.