Marie G. Troha

How do you sum up in words the life of a person who touched so many, whose personality filled every corner of the room and whose sharp wit kept the doctors laughing even after a recent stroke? Marie never lost her sense of humor and had a real zest for life. She cooked on two settings – “Off” and “High”, (same went for the blender!). Marie loved her “happy hour” at the end of the day (only one cocktail, mind!). She was a gracious and generous host, and people always felt welcome in her home. This was Marie Troha - beloved not only by her family and friends, but also by the many young children she taught at Garden Street Elementary School over her 20-year career.
Marie was born on June 20, 1933 in Brooklyn, New York, daughter of the late John and Antoinette Giliberti. Marie graduated from Brewster High School and continued her education at Western Connecticut State University attaining a Master’s Degree in Education along with a Certification as a Reading Specialist. She achieved all of this after getting married and having children, balancing the demands of home life while attending night and summer school.
Marie married the love of her life, Richard ‘Dick’ Troha on June 5, 1954 at St. Lawrence O’Toole Church, Brewster, New York. Dick predeceased his wife on November 26, 2018. Marie was a kindergarten, first-grade and second grade schoolteacher at Garden Street Elementary School, Brewster, New York. She enjoyed photography and, upon retiring, loved to travel with Dick in their RV. They visited every state in the continental US, along with Alaska, every Canadian province, and many states in Mexico. They did finally make it to Hawaii (but without the RV). They found their spot in the sun in Juno Beach, Florida. She and Dick spent many happy years being “snowbirds” travelling to Florida in the fall and returning to the family home in Brewster in the Spring. When the road trip adventures were completed, they traded the RV for a more permanent home in Juno Beach. In later years, they both moved to Gainesville and resided with their son, Richard, and daughter-in-law, Michele. Marie died peacefully at home in Gainesville with Richard and Michele by her side on July 22, 2020. She was 87 years old.
Marie is survived by her two sons - John J. Troha (wife Janice) and Richard J. Troha (wife Michele), her 3 grandchildren - Anna, Madeline (husband Jeremy) and Maxwell, her great grandson Jaxyn and her brother John Giliberti of Florida.
We will remember her as the most loving and generous wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister and teacher.
Due to COVID-19 a small graveside service will be held on August 1, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Lawrence O’ Toole Cemetery, Turk Hill Road, Brewster, NY. Internment will immediately follow. A memorial service will be announced at a later date. Beecher Funeral Home, Brewster, NY assisted the family with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, please visit www.Beecherfuneralhome.com to leave a special memory about Marie and condolences for the family.