March 23, 1935 – May 27, 2021
Marianna (Fickeisen) Marshall, of Reading, passed away on May 27, 2021, in the care of The Residence at Pearl Street. She passed peacefully, while in the loving company of her two sons, and after spending her last days surrounded by family, friends, and loved ones.
Marianna, who was affectionately known as “Maya”, was born in Boston on March 23, 1935. She grew up as part of a large, German-American family in Jamaica Plain, where she graduated from the Girls’ Latin School and Boston Clerical School. She began work at Ginn and Company, in Boston, where she met the love of her life, George. Together they started a family and eventually settled in Reading, where she lived for over 50 years. Maya and George enjoyed numerous vacations to their favorite destination, Bermuda, and summers at the Beach House in Hull with Maya’s large, extended family. Maya enjoyed spending time with her family; the Belmont Street neighbors; the “Saugus Sears Girls”, with whom she worked in the Personnel Department for over 20 years; her close group of “pool ladies”; and especially her two grandchildren.
Maya is survived by her two sons: John and wife Tina, of Peabody; and David and wife Terri, of Sarasota, FL. She is also survived by grandchildren, Jake and Jordan of Peabody. She is survived by siblings, Elsa Johnson, and Peter Fickeisen, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband George, Maya was preceded in death by her sisters, Hildegard “Hilda” Dreist, Theodora “Tedi” Hunkeler, and Erika “Ricky” Barnett. Even in her final months, while battling her various ailments, Maya always kept a smile on her face and on those of others with her unique sense of humor.
The family would like to extend sincere thanks to the wonderful care Maya received from Lahey Hospital, Pilgrim Rehabilitation, The Residence at Pearl Street, and Care Dimensions Hospice and Palliative Care.
Calling hours will be on Tuesday, June 1, from 4 to 7p.m. at Douglass, Edgerley, and Bessom Funeral Home, 25 Sanborn Street, in Reading. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Athanasius Church in Reading on Wednesday, June 2, at 11:30a.m. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Marianna’s memory to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA.
