Marie Brazel Obituary
Marie Cecilia Brazel (nee Granata) was born on January 20, 1953. She grew up in Akron and Tallmadge, Ohio. Though she was the oldest daughter to her parents Anthony and Laura Granata, she did have an older brother, Bob, who enjoyed traveling, who passed away in the 1980’s. One of her favorite tales about her younger brother, Joe, was from when they were kids. She was told to watch Joe and not to let him off the porch. Marie told him that if he left the porch, he would turn into a little girl. She always laughed and said that Joe decided he didn’t want to be a girl and so he sat there and not even a toe hit the grass. Marie looked to her younger sister, Toni, who can always lighten the mood with her wit and humor. She always said that no one could tell a story better than Toni. Toni made her laugh through some of the toughest times in her life. Marie was extremely proud of her baby sister, Laura, and her nutty sense of adventure. One year Marie sent her lottery tickets for her birthday but Laura sent the winning tickets back. Why? Because, unknown to Marie, Laura couldn’t cash that type of lottery ticket in Vegas! Marie always smiled and said that no matter what was thrown at her, Laura always hit the jackpot.
On October 20, 1973, Marie married the man of her dreams, Bill. They began their life together in Tallmadge, moved to Cuyahoga Falls, and then built a beautiful and loving home in Wadsworth, Ohio. Bill and Marie have been married for over 46 years now. It is easy to tell that they both love each other dearly. Bill was the light of Marie’s life, and Marie to Bill. They did everything in three’s. Three kisses, three “I Love You’s,” and to them, three children were born: Laura, Christine and Michelle. Marie was a devoted wife and mother and loved her husband and children dearly. She made every birthday and holiday special. She volunteered at the schools, and made sure everyone had everything they needed. She instilled a fierce sense of independence in each of her girls, and laughed as she said she did too good of a job. She is proud of each and every one of them and loved them each deeply. Marie also loved her grandchildren Cecilia, Francesca, Joseph, and Brian, and her furry grandchildren Gizmo, Turbo, and Daisy. It did not matter to her if they were two-legged or four-legged, each and every one of her grandchildren had a special place in her heart.
Marie always said she didn’t have any favorites, but she really did. Her favorite color was blue. Her favorite hobby was card making. Her favorite outside activity was working in the yard, especially in her flower beds. Her favorite animal was “That Damn Cat,” Snowball. Marie’s favorite foods were a good steak, a nice bowl of pasta, or even a lobster tail here and there. She had a love for cooking. Her homemade pasta, meatballs and sauce were always a hit, as was her spectacular wedding soup. She made an abundance of cookies, candies, and cannoli, especially at Christmas time. She is proud that the traditions will be passed down through the generations.
On April 30, 2020, Marie passed away peacefully with her devoted husband, Bill, by her side. Though she may no longer be physically here, she will live within each of our hearts through our memories, stories, and especially through the love she gave. This is not goodbye, this is see you later!
The family will receive friends 9:30-10:30am Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at the Hilliard-Rospert Funeral Home. Graveside services will follow at 12 noon in Sharon Cemetery.
All attendees must have a face covering and observe social distancing rules. There will be a limit of 10 visitors in the building at a time.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Summa Foundation, 525 E. Market St., Akron, OH 44304, http://www.summahealth.org
