Marie A. De Libera

Marie Andrea De Libera, born October 3, 1922 in Piney Fork, Ohio, and resident of Dundalk since 1948, was called home to heaven on Monday, March 14, 2022.  She would have celebrated her 100^th birthday this year.  Born in Piney Fork, Ohio, Mrs. De Libera graduated from Smithfield High School in 1939.  Upon graduation, she worked as a bookkeeper for Hanna Coal Company until she married Orland De Libera of Lansing, Ohio.  The newlyweds moved to Dundalk, Maryland where her husband was employed at Bethlehem Steel Corporation.

As a faithful member of Dundalk Presbyterian Church for many years, she served in a variety of roles including Deacon, Tuesday School teacher, Vacation Bible School director and teacher, Missions Committee, Adult Sunday School, organizer of the Handbell Choir, as well as many other volunteer duties.  More recently she has been a dedicated attendee of Hughes Memorial Presbyterian Church where she was graciously welcomed by the congregation.

Mrs. De Libera was a member of Ateaze Senior Center, a charter member of the Dundalk Concert Association, a former member of the Sparrows Point Country Club, and was honored with a Maryland Lifetime PTA Membership for her many years of volunteer work in Dundalk area public schools.

Mrs. De Libera was a dedicated homemaker and cherished the time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren known to them as Nonnee or Bisnonna, respectively.  Marie’s many hobbies included spending hours in her vegetable and flower gardens, playing cards and games with family and friends, as well as cooking savory and sweet Italian delicacies.  Over the years, she perfected her recipes for black raspberry jelly, various soups, fugazze (Easter bread), biscotti, pizzelles, gnocchi and polenta which were a treat to all.

Upon her husband’s retirement, Marie and Orland enjoyed many trips across the United States and Italy where she appreciated the sights and visiting family members, especially her first cousin Nelda Della Libera who is 99 years old as well. 

Preceding her in death was her beloved husband of 48 years, Orland, as well as Marie's five brothers and sisters: Arthur Da Grava, Rose Merriman, Elvira Spontaneo, Anthony Da Grava, and Peter Da Grava, Jr. 

Marie is survived by her two daughters, Bonita Saul and Denise Kropkowski, son-in-law Donald Kropkowski, and eight grandchildren: Heather Rathbone, Thomas Saul, Daniel Saul, Timothy Saul, Adam Kropkowski, Amy Glacken, Ronald Saul and Andrew Kropkowski.  Marie has five great-grandchildren: Royce Rathbone, Caleb Glacken, Elliot Saul, Cole Glacken and Ezra Saul.  She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Dolores Stump and Florence De Libera, and many nieces and nephews.  

The family is welcoming friends and family to Connelly Funeral Home of Dundalk on Thursday, March 17^th from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.  A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 18^th at 10 a.m. at the funeral home.  Interment will follow at St. Stanislaus Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hughes Memorial Presbyterian Church, 3008 Sparrows Point Road, Edgemere, MD 21219 to the glory of God in honor of Marie.

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