MARIE BIRGENHEIR

Peacefully, and surrounded by her family, Marie made her crossing to new Life on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at the age of 84 years. She will be very dearly missed by all whose lives were touched by her.

She is survived by her husband, Vernon “Bergie” of 64 years, her son, Michael (Linda), daughter Debbie Hodsdon (Steve), son, David (Dianne) and daughter, Lori (Bill) Schnetzler. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Nicholas, Luke, Denis, Philip, Evan, Thomas, Kelsey, Kaitlyn and Kaitlyn. Great grandchildren, Valentino, Vincent, Vance, Aiden, Brooklynn and Lincoln.

Marie was predeceased by her mother and stepfather, Theresa and Frank Affronti, her father, Dominic D’Avanzo and numerous aunts and uncles.

Marie married Bergie in 1956 in the State of Illinois. She became a military wife and accompanied him during his 23-year military career, traveling to several Air Force bases throughout the US. Additionally, the spent time at Kadena AFB on Okinawa. Upon retirement from Edwards AFB, they made their home in Lancaster, California.

Marie worked in procurement for dining services at Edwards. Later, she began as a volunteer at the library at Mariposa Elementary School in Lancaster, subsequently becoming employed as the school librarian. She was awarded District Librarian of the Year, as well as Lancaster School District Employee of the Year. Her library was used as a model for other schools to emulate. Marie truly delighted in spending time with the children and went above and beyond for them. She was lovingly referred to by the children as “Mrs. B.”

If you knew Marie, you know how much she enjoyed her bingo! Among her other interests were bunco, group bus trips to the casinos, and entertaining good friends with monthly dessert and conversation at her home, family card nights, shopping, and, of course, cooking. Marie never missed decorating for each and every holiday. She even enlisted Bergie to design and build a lamp to represent each one.

Marie’s top priorities were her faith in God, her husband Bergie, and her family. She touched the lives of countless people with her freely and generously given loving kindness. Our lives are forever blessed by her love…….
Rosary/Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 2, between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. at Halley-Olsen-Murphy on Cedar St. in Lancaster.

Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Thursday, June 3, at 2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 565 W. Kettering St., Lancaster.

Following Mass, everyone is welcome to gather for food and fellowship at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Avenue M. The family will arrive at the Knights Hall following a private burial service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as Marie loved and adored children.