Marie M. Wilkins

To the world, she was Marie Margarete Wilkins. But to nearly everyone who knew and loved her, she was simply "Mama." It wasn't just a nickname—it was who she was to everyone who knew and loved her. She was a source of love, quiet strength, gentle guidance, unwavering faith, and a comforting presence to generations of family and friends.

Marie was born on June 13, 1932, in Akron, Ohio, to Betty "Nana" Buettner. She graduated from Norton High School in 1950, where she was honored as Homecoming Queen.

Marie passed away peacefully on July 3, 2026, at 12:53 a.m., surrounded by her family, just as she had wished.

Marie was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd Wilkins. Their story began at Tasty Bread in Akron, where Lloyd worked as a delivery driver and Marie worked in bookkeeping. They were married in March 1953 and shared 43 wonderful years together before Lloyd passed away in November 1996. Together they raised two daughters.

She is survived by her two daughters, Ellen Wilkins and Beth Monaghan; her five grandchildren, Heather Craven, Emily Monaghan, Brian Monaghan, Lisa (Nick) Zido, and Erica Layton; and her five great-grandchildren, with a sixth on the way: Nicholas, Noah, and Quinn Dicintio (Heather Craven's children), Kai Ciraco (Emily Monaghan's), Bria Monaghan (Brian Monaghan's), and Rowan and baby girl Zido (Lisa and Nick Zido's).

Marie often reminisced about growing up and spending time on the family farm in Ranelle, West Virginia. Those memories remained among some of her most treasured throughout her life. A few years ago, she was able to visit the farm one last time, a trip that brought her great joy and allowed her to reconnect with a place that had always held a special place in her heart.

Marie and Lloyd spent much of their 43 years together owning and operating a catering business, working on their home, enjoying many summers gardening, canning fresh fruits and vegetables, and boating together. In their retirement, they loved traveling throughout the western United States and Canada before eventually setting up a camper at Lake Chautauqua, New York. Their campsite became a special gathering place where the entire family created countless cherished summer memories together.

Marie took great pride in keeping her flower gardens blooming and her yard beautifully maintained. She had an especially gentle heart for animals, particularly the many cats she rescued, cared for, and adopted over the years. Near the end of her life, she especially enjoyed spending time with Goose and Scarlet, two of the family dogs. She loved having them visit, often sneaking them treats and smiling whenever they curled up in her lap.

Marie enjoyed watching the news, loved a good cookie, and was known for making the very best cabbage rolls.

Marie attended the Kenmore Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses for most of her life before more recently becoming part of the Barberton South Congregation. She dedicated her life to Jehovah and was baptized in 1961, remaining a faithful sister in the congregation until her death. Even after she was no longer able to attend meetings in person, she faithfully joined on Zoom and especially enjoyed sitting in on her great-grandson's Bible study. She never stopped talking about the Bible, her hope in the resurrection, and the promise of living forever in Paradise.

Marie loyally served Jehovah throughout her life. Her complete confidence rested in His promises and in the hope of the resurrection, knowing she would one day live again on a paradise earth. That hope sustained her strengthened her faith and brought her peace. Her family eagerly looks forward to the day they will welcome her back in Paradise.

Marie will be remembered for her quiet strength, unwavering faith, gentle heart, and just the right amount of stubbornness. She was the kind of person who quietly put the needs of others before her own, never looking for recognition for the love and care she so freely gave. She loved deeply, never gave up on the people she cared about, and had a special place in her heart for her family, her friends, and every animal she welcomed into her life. She leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, resilience, and faith that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

Marie treasured the many dear friends she made throughout her life and spoke of them often. Their phone calls, visits, practical help, prayers, and loving support brought her tremendous comfort and ensured she never felt alone. She loved each of you dearly, and your kindness lifted her spirits during her final years.

A special thank you to Joanne Gensamer, Linda and Bob Milhoan, Diana Kawanowitz, Sharon Jones, Lillian Suttles, Anna Ramic, Pam McArdle, Brother Starkey, Brother Roger Williams, Ceil Szoszorek, Tina and Dennis Lippy, Emily Murphy, Cyndi Lukacs, MaryJo Foster, Valerie Remington, Shirley Peters and Aaliyah Ruppel, who was becoming a sweet new friend to her.

Per Marie's wishes, there will be no memorial service or zoom. Calls, texts, and cards to the family are greatly appreciated. Please call before visiting.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Marie's memory may be made to www.donate.jw.org.

To the world she was Marie, but to those who loved her most, she was simply Mama—and she always will be.