Obituary

Marie Elizabeth DeGeorge, 100, of Mission Viejo, CA died on January 3, 2024, at her home with her son Tom and daughter Linda at her side, after a short illness.

Her family includes her four children, Joann Quinlivan of Hudson Falls, New York, Linda Hanisak of Vero Beach, Florida, Thomas DeGeorge of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Donna Wade of Palm Coast, Florida. She is also survived by her six grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Marie is predeceased by her husband of 52 years, Joseph and her six brothers and sisters, Thomas, Anthony, Frances, Margaret, Michael and Theodore (Spina). She was the oldest girl and assumed the duty of helping raise the younger ones alongside her mother, Rella. She was raised as a fierce, headstrong and independent young woman and those qualities set a foundation for her life.

Marie was born in Orange, NJ on September 30, 1923. Her family moved to West Orange, NJ where Marie had to leave school in the 10th grade in order to help support her family. It was with great pride that she completed her GED in her 50’s.

Her family credits Marie’s long life to her love of sports at an early age. In her youth she rode horses, roller skated and played tennis. She and Joe were married in 1946, lived and raised their family in Whippany, NJ where she was a school crossing guard for many years. She and Joe retired to Mission Viejo in 1980, where she continued playing tennis with the Senior tennis club until her 85th birthday. She also loved her and Joe’s Mission Viejo extended family of cousins, and their children. She was exceptionally proud of her many years as a volunteer at the Mission Viejo Library and cherished all the friends and neighbors she got to know during her time there.

Marie’s love of knitting and crocheting brought smiles to everyone who received them. She also knitted hats for her family, veteran’s organizations and new born babies in the maternity units. If she knew you, you were a friend, part of her extended chosen family, a confidante and co-conspirator and you most likely had at least one afghan and several scarves lovingly knitted by her.

Marie was happiest when surrounded by children and they adored her, sensing her innate playful nature. She was always up for an adventure and a party, especially if there was cake and ice cream! She loved her ice cream!

Marie had a long standing seat at the Mission Viejo Senior Center for weekly bingo, where she played with her dear friends, especially Vera Stone and Jane Gunther. Her love of people was infectious.

Memorial donations can be made in Marie’s name at Laura’s House, 33 Journey, Suite 150, Aliso Viejo, CA, www.laurashouse.org.

Condolences may be left directly online at www.oconnormortuary.com.