Mrs. Marianne (DePerno) Jakubowski

Mrs. Marianne (DePerno) Jakubowski, age 66, passed away in the comfort of her home on Sunday, October 2, 2016, with her loved ones by her side. It was through her courage that her family could maintain a smile on their faces, because they were so proud of her. Born in Utica on October 29, 1949, Marianne was the daughter of John “Captain John” and Mafalda “Mitzi” (DePastina) DePerno. She was a graduate of T.R. Proctor High School/Class of 1967 and went on to graduate from Utica College of Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Studies, as well as her Masters Degree in Education. This was all accomplished while she was working and raising her family. On August 4, 1973 she married Joseph A. Jakubowski with whom she has shared 43 years. But their relationship was blessed from their first date 49 years ago when Joe fell in love with her. It was true love for each of them and the spark has never dimmed. As a couple, they integrated their independence, family life, and support for each other and their children. Raising their family was the most important thing on their minds, and love was the most important thing in their hearts. They knew they would always be there for each other. Marianne was hired as a Social Studies teacher in the Utica City School District in 1971 at her alma mater, T. R. Proctor High School. During her 35 year tenure, she became the Social Studies Department Chair. She was passionate in teaching her students and she took the time to care about and reach each of them. She was a motherly image and she understood and mentored many of them through the challenges of their lives. She also taught night school for those who needed to attend. She was unassuming, humble, and was graced with an unforgettable smile upon her face. She took a genuine interest in a person’s life and became an endeared friend. She was never forgotten throughout the years. Marianne was blessed to have parents whose values and hard work ethic molded her into the precious person she became. She continued to embrace people with grace and sincerity which afforded her so many true friends throughout her life. Her father had a vision for a business venture and he loved Sylvan Beach, and so… Captain John’s Restaurant on Main Street sprung to life. Marianne’s responsibilities were vast and her prowess for work was put to the test as she stepped into a new vocation as waitress and bartender. Her summers were spent working at the beach; she loved the operation and her co-workers who were extended family. In the autumn, she returned to teaching. Marianne was kind-hearted, passionate, loving, caring, and generous, always putting others before herself. Joe was involved with her in all her endeavors —every moment of every day. During what little spare time she had, she enjoyed romance novels, movies, and vacationing with family. At get-togethers, Marianne made things happen. She cooked and baked with the kids, along with her mom, and these were special moments. Her theory was that if you enjoyed something, just do it, because life is too short. Autumn was her favorite season and she adorned her home with decorations denoting not only fall, but the upcoming holidays as well. Her grandchildren called her “MiMi” and what she felt for them was a different kind of indescribable love, and she spoiled each of them individually. Marianne and Joe took care of each other and still found precious time to care for her parents. She never had them far from her heart and mind, even as she managed her own medical struggles. It seems amazing that all of these tasks that were important to this family got done, with incredible ease and teamwork. Marianne was a communicant of St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church. She was a true believer and had a close connection to those who went before her. Sunday Mass and the Sacraments were important when raising her children. Although the years of her life were not as long as we would have wished, she was adventurous, spontaneous, and she captured the moment. Marianne was a dreamer… and most of her dreams came true. Marianne is survived by her husband, Joe; her daughter and son-in-law, Sheri A. and Fidele P. Fanelli; her son and daughter-in-law, Joseph M. and Katie Jakubowski; her parents, John and Mafalda; her precious granddaughters, Zoe Lynn, and Kenzie Marie Jakubowski; and her sisters and brothers-in-law, Elaine DePerno-Brown and her husband Andy, Dorthea Casey and Mark Casey, and Joni DePerno-Zahas and her husband Scott. She also leaves her nieces and nephews, Dr. Kristy and Dr. Greg McBride; Tara and Mike Skidd, Dr. Justin and Lauren Casey; Scot Zahas; her great-nieces and great-nephews, Brantley McBride, and Alessandra Casey; many cousins, and in-laws, Dolores Werczynski, and Leon and Doreen Jakubowski. She was fortunate to have had so many wonderful and loyal friends and co-workers. She was predeceased by many members of the DePerno family; and her in-laws, Michael and Stephanie “Sadie” Jakubowski. The family is grateful to the amazing team of physicians, nurses, and staff at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center for their professional expertise and compassion. Visitation will be held Friday from 4:00-7:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Those wishing to express an act of kindness may make a donation in Marianne’s memory to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center online at https://www.mskcc.org; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Marianne’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday morning at 11:00 at St. Anthony & St. Agnes Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Mark Kaminski.

Mrs. Marianne (DePerno) Jakubowski

October 29, 1949 - October 2, 2016