Obituary of Marion A. Kankowski

Marion A. Kankowski (nee Abruzzo) longtime resident of Fort Lee, New Jersey passed away on Friday, March 6, quietly in her sleep. The elder of two children of John and Alvina Abruzzo, Marion grew up in West New York, New Jersey. A lifelong practicing Catholic, she and her brother John were educated at local Catholic schools. Growing up in a musical family, Marion was inspired to fill her house with song, she played both piano and organ. From an early age Marion was part of the choir at Our Lady of Libra Church in West New York, NJ and many of her long time friends were other choir members. Marion worked for several years for New York Telephone in Manhattan before meeting and marrying the love of her life and husband of 68 years, Stanley. This was followed by the birth of son Stanley John and daughter Marianne. In 1956 the family moved into their house in Fort Lee. Marion and Stanley became communicants and supporters of St. Nicholas RC Church, with both their children schooled at St. Nicholas Elementary. Marion was a stay-at-home mom for little Stanley and Marianne until they both were in high school. During that time she was involved in a number of church and school related organizations. Marion taught CCD, was a Cub Scout Den Mother, and was a member of the Parish Council at St. Nicholas. Also a member of the Rosary Society and, of course, sang in the church choir. With her children off to college Marion once again returned to the work force and after a few years was again working for the phone company, this time New Jersey Bell which later became Bell Atlantic. Marion spent most of her career at the telephone company as a dispatcher for telephone repair or payroll, both jobs having her using computers at the very beginning of the computer revolution. On retirement from the telephone company Marion became one of several church secretaries at St. Nicholas and later became a Eucharistic Minister. Marion was never happier than when her house was filled with guests, often jammed around the dining room table, but always with room for one more. Or singing in another choir, this started by a friend, that visited and entertained at homes for the aged. She enjoyed attending performances at the Metropolitan Opera and wearing fashionable clothing. Marion and Stanley spent many good times with friends and family at the Jersey Shore but also enjoyed international travel, having been to Italy on several occasions, as well as France, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Venezuela and Brazil. Several Years ago Marion and Stanley moved to a retirement community in Indianapolis, Indiana, very near their daughter Marianne. Marion was pre-deceased by her beloved Stanley, but is survived by her son Stanley John and his wife Laura Mylott, her daughter Marianne Spinola and her husband Stanley Michael and their three children Stanley John, Suzanne and Caroline. Marion is also survived by her brother John, thirteen nieces and nephews and many grand nieces and grand nephews. For years Marion and Stanley have been especially close to their pastor and friend Rev. Antonio daSilva. We, her family and friends, celebrate the life of this gracious lady.