Mary Riendeau Marran was finally freed of the burdens of Alzheimer’s on September 7, 2011. A fighter to the end, to her final breath, she continued to inspire all who knew her with her energy and tenacity.

Born to Harold and Mary Riendeau in June 1938, she grew up in Queens, New York with three brothers (all deceased), Bob, Bill and Jim and surrounded by aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. It was impossible to not be drawn to her as she was a person full of life and vigor. Anyone that knew her could virtually see her love of life and family in her smile and her eyes.

The love she had will be carried on through her husband of 47 years, Dick Marran and her three adoring daughters and their families: Michele and Tim McLain, Chris, Ali, Mike, Dan and Chad (Mclain), Kathleen and Ron Peterson, Diane and Gage and Savana (Stewart).

The Marrans moved across the country several times between 1966 and 1996 living in NY to Chicago, to San Francisco and Atlanta and making close friends wherever they went. In 1997 Mary found great pleasure in transforming from a city girl to a “mountain” girl by retiring to Bent Tree in Jasper Georgia. As a hiker, a golfer (the Bent Tree Lady Niners), and an active Lake and Wildlife member, Mary reveled in the nature and the friends that surrounded her and everyone around her felt that.

Mary had many influences that helped make her the woman she was. From the earliest days, she studied music, singing and dancing and had dreams of being a prima ballerina in New York city. Although she never did that, she did spread her joy and skill through the work she did at her daughters’ schools, Royal Oak, Polka parties, church choirs, ballroom dancing and just singing in the kitchen while she cooked (Which she loved as well). Always a creative soul, Mary never tired of trying new things including pottery, gardening, inventing new recipes and later in life, Japanese Embroidery. She made wonderful things that leave behind fantastic memories.

The celebration of Mary’s life and legacy will be held at Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church (Jasper, GA) on September 10 at 11:00am with a reception to follow at Bent Tree’s Club Tamarack (Jasper, GA) from 1:00 – 3:00pm.

The family will welcome friends and family to a visitation on Sept 9 at 3:00 – 5:00pm and 7:00 – 9:00pm at Roper Funeral home (206 Holley Street, Jasper GA).

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Alzheimer’s Foundation North Georgia/Dalton chapter as they have been such a resource and support to both Mary and her family. Alternatively one may make a donation to the Bent Tree Foundation, Inc. (Keep Bent Tree Beautiful fund) who will keep her love alive in what they do to make Bent Tree a more beautiful place for all.

Arrangement and Services are entrusted to Roper Funeral Home, Jasper, Georgia.

Online condolences may be sent to www.RoperFuneralHome.com