Born in Newark, NJ, on the Fourth of July, 1924, to Anna Onorato Freda and Alessandro Freda, Marie arrived on the perfect day—just like a firecracker: highly energetic, spirited, feisty, and full of sparkle and intensity.

As the eldest of 6 children, Marie was 18 years older than her youngest sibling, Alex. He always thought of her as a second mother, a sentiment shared by many of her children's friends who lovingly called her "Mom".

A 1942 graduate of Central High School, Marie's affection for learning continued through her lifetime. She was an avid reader who wanted to learn something new every day. Even after she lost her vision, she would eagerly listen to her audiobooks.

Marie loved growing up in her large extended Italian family; and this familial bond plus family traditions were an important part of her essence throughout her 101 years.

An abiding faith was another integral part of Marie's life. She practiced her beliefs by exemplifying mutual trust and respect and radiating kindness and warmth to anyone she met.

Marie shared this mutual love of family, faith, and tradition with Frank, her beloved husband of 48 years. They met by happenstance in 1949, and, not surprisingly, they went to a dance on their first date. Marie's love of dance so filled her soul that after she started using a walker she continued to dance, and once she was bedbound she would still move her hips.

Engaged to be married the following year, Marie and Frank moved their wedding date up a month due to the Korean War. Their autumn Canadian honeymoon was cut short when Frank was called to service.

In the fifties, Marie and Frank's family blossomed with the arrival of three children —Anthony, Mary Ann, and Frances— all of whom cherished growing up in that home.

It was springtime, 1959, when Marie and Frank headed to Tampa with their children in tow. They quickly put down roots in their new community; and as members of the Sons of Italy and The Italian Club, Marie found another avenue to pursue her love of dancing.

Marie and Frank were founding parishioners of St. Lawrence Catholic Church and School, attending Mass at Hillsborough High School and the Wellswood Civic Center before the church was built.

And in her final years, despite being bedbound and visually impaired, Marie remained devoted, attending Mass online and praying the Rosary daily.

A huge supporter throughout the parish's growth, Marie volunteered with spirit. She participated in talent shows, carnivals, school field trips, building funds, as homeroom mother, and also came by during lunch periods to sit with the students in their classroom, so the teachers could have a break.

Marie was an excellent listener. After speaking to anyone, whether it was a 5-minute random chat with a stranger, or a conversation with a new acquaintance, she could remember everything about them; and in many cases these chance meetings developed lasting friendships.

Her memory was so remarkable that even towards the end of her life she could clearly recall events that occurred more than 80 years ago as clearly as yesterday. Additionally, she would always reminded those around her if they had forgotten something.

Marie's treasured Italian traditions were paramount, and under her guidance, generations of her family learned to cook her authentic Italian specialties, making sure that they knew the correct Italian pronunciations. Of course, at times it was hard to decipher her recipes when the directions read, "put enough, but not too much." And although her husband, Frank, could eat macaroni every day of the week, she also explored different cuisines, offering her family a taste of diversity.

Sunday dinners and holidays were a welcoming time for family and friends to gather. Because there was always an abundance of food, there was enough to go around if any unexpected visitors showed up.

Marie's spontaneous spirit enabled her to drop everything at the last minute whether she was asked to travel, go out to dinner, see a live performance, or embrace any other adventure.

She always had a special place in her heart for the shore. Ever since she was a little girl, she had enjoyed spending time there. While bedbound she was often asked, "Where do you want to go?" and a couple of weeks ago her response was, "The beach." Closing her eyes, she drifted away to her happy place.

Marie's musical taste was quite varied and, although she loved to sing, she couldn't carry a tune. Music always seemed to float through the air around her. As recently as Christmas time 2025, we recorded a video of Marie singing, "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" to the tune of "Happy Birthday to You" and shared it with family and friends. She loved singing right up to the final week of her life, even asking her daughter to join her in "Home on the Range." True to form, she performed with that signature smile and witty, wry sense of humor she never lost.

Marie lived a long and meaningful life. Of course, living to almost 102 years had its advantages and disadvantages. Her enormous strength and abiding faith got her through some very difficult times, and her inspiring positive attitude allowed her to look at what was still available around her and focus on going forward.

Helping Marie through the last years of her life were her angelic caregivers: Phoebe, Maira, Ligia, Paola, Fabiana, Juana, Zarahi, Lily, Clarisa, and Thelma. Marie adored them and always considered them part of her family. Their kindness, generosity, and devotion to her will never be forgotten. Marie always loved the special meals and treats that Maira, Ligia, Juana, Zarahi, and Lily lovingly prepared for her.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Anna Onorato Freda and Alessandro Freda; husband, Frank; children, infant daughter, Mary Ann, son, Anthony; daughter, Frances Pandolfo Vazquez; sisters, Josephine Freda and Eva Baglione; brothers, Rocco Freda, and Mario Freda; and nephew, Alexander Baglione. She is survived by her daughter, Mary Ann Pandolfo Benton (John); son-in-law, Danny Vazquez; grandchildren, Lauren and Daniel Vazquez, and his wife, Rebecca; great-grandchildren Nolan and Mason Vazquez; brother, Alexander Freda (Sandy); brother-in-law, Joseph Pandolfo (Rosemarie); and nieces and nephews, Alexander Freda (Melanie), Teresa Fernicola (Joe), Salvatore Baglione (Linda), Michael Baglione, Joanna Baglione, Frank Pandolfo (Carolyn), Joseph Pandolfo (Lori), Patrick Pandolfo (Jennifer), Lucy Pandolfo-Johnston (Duncan), Rebecca Pandolfo-Tufaro (Tom), Patricia Schneider (Jimmy), Cheryl Pandolfo, Stephanie Battaglia (Joe), Jerry Pandolfo (Roberta), and Adrienne Boyce.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Luke's Children Hospital, Metavivor, Breakthrough T1D, or a charity of your choice.