Kathleen Marino

Kathleen (Kathie) Marino of Bluffton, South Carolina entered eternal life on, October 1, 2021; she was 68. Kathleen was born in Mt. Holly, NJ, on August 14, 1953. Kathie's parents Anthony and Alfia (Pennise) DeFranco were from Garfield, NJ. She was married to her beloved husband Robert Marino on May 16, 1984; they were married 37 years, prior to her passing. Kathie was a generous person and the first to lend an ear or helping hand to anyone in need. Family was everything to her, she loved her husband and children fiercely, and prayed for a grandchild. In 2018 she was blessed with her grandson, Anthony Robert. Anthony and his Nana Kathie formed a strong bond, enjoying many special moments together; and for this she was eternally grateful. In June of 2021, Kathie was able to witness the wedding of her son Carmine to Christina Shann and was beaming with pride to be part of their celebration. Watching her family grow affirmed to her that her children would always be supported and loved. Kathie was a strong, out-spoken woman who had firm convictions and did not hesitate to share them, but always with love and guidance. Kathie loved music, especially the Eagles and Lionel Ritchie, and often wore out her records, and making the children think they were the theme tracks to their lives. Baking was a favorite past-time that she shared with her mother and found great joy making everyone's favorites and trying new recipes. She especially enjoyed baking Christmas cookies to the count of tens of dozens that left her kitchen on platters covered in snowy-powdered sugar, gifted to family and friends over the years. She perfected the art of the baking cheesecakes, which became a staple and requested for many festive occasions. Kathie had many careers; she was the school nurse for Boca Prep, a small private school in Florida. She loved the students as if they were her own and mentored them through the trials and tribulations of their teenage years. She kept in touch with the students and enjoyed seeing them grow into fine men and women. She was a nurse for the pediatric unit of West Boca Medical Center, caring for vulnerable children when they needed her most. Kathie retired in 2014. Kathie and Bob enjoyed traveling and had taken over 25 cruises and their yearly trips to Disney World. You would often hear her refer to a certain section of her closet as "cruise wear". This was their favorite way to get away, relax, and celebrate. Until we meet again dear Mom. We love you and will always live and love in your graceful example. Kathie is survived by her beloved husband Bob and devoted children, Carmine Sodora and his wife Christina Shann and Carlye and her husband Eric Gilbert. She is also survived by her cherished grandson Anthony Gilbert, dear brother Edward Downs and her loving sister Joyceann Basham. Kathie was predeceased by her dear brother Charlie Downs. Visiting, 1- 3 pm and 5- 8 pm, Saturday, October 9th, Warner-Wozniak Funeral Service, 80 Midland Ave, Wallington, NJ. A funeral service will be held at 8pm. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions to The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey, 635 South Clinton Avenue, Trenton, NJ 08611. www.WarnerAndWozniak.com