MARIE JOSEPHINE GROCHOWSKI – Obituary

Marie Josephine Grochowski of Franklinville on Saturday, September 23, 2017. Age 88. Sister of Joseph, Anthony, Edwin, Hedwig (Hedy), Jenny, Irene and Regina. Aunt to numerous nieces and nephews, as well as Great-aunt and Great-great-aunt to many, all of whom loved her dearly. Daughter of the late Vincent and Stella (nee Zdunczyk) Grochowski.

A lifelong resident of Franklinville, Marie graduated from Clayton High School and went on to earn a BS in Elementary Education and later an MA in Reading Education from Glassboro State College. Before entering the field of education, she owned and worked at Rie’s Luncheonette and other family businesses, including a grocery store. Marie worked for the Township of Franklin Public Schools as an Elementary School Teacher, Reading Teacher, and Reading Specialist, and as Principal from 1971 through 1983.  Later, she was Principal and Administrator for the Buena Regional School District until her retirement in 1994.

Devoted to her faith, Marie was a member of the Compassionate Outreach and Bereavement Committee and the Legion of Mary, as well as being a Parishioner of Saint Michael the Archangel (Church of the Nativity).  She was a civically minded member of Franklin Township serving on both the Library Board and the School Board, as well as being a long-time member of the Sgt. Anthony P. Grochowski VFW Post # 2071 in Franklinville.

Marie loved teaching and loved the many kids she taught over the years; they, in turn, loved her back. She was physically active and enjoyed walking, biking, and swimming and was an avid reader. Marie was an adventurous and fun-loving individual who loved to travel and loved going to the casino! She was the life of every party.  She was devoted to her family and was a trailblazer, role model, and mentor to all who knew her.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with her family on Thursday, October 12, 2017, from 9:15 AM to 10:55 AM at the St. Michael the Archangel, 2677 Delsea Drive, Franklinville, NJ 08322. Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Inurnment at Saint Bridget Cemetery, Glassboro. Contributions may be made in her memory to the John J. Grochowski Memorial Scholarship Fund, Rowan College at Gloucester County, 1400 Tanyard Road, Sewell, NJ 08080 (the scholarship is given to a Delsea Regional High School Student) or to the Parish of Saint Michael the Archangel, 49 W. North Street, Clayton, NJ 08312. Arrangements under the direction of the BARCLAY FUNERAL HOME. Sign the guestbook and send condolences at BarclayFuneralHome.net.