Obituary of Marianne (Clune) Wichtowski

Elmira: Age 81, passed away, on Friday, March 22, 2024, with her children by her side. Marianne was born in Elmira, a daughter of the late Faustin J. and Anne M. Dooley Clune.  She was predeceased by her husband David L. Wichtowski, brothers, Paul, John, and Joseph Clune; brother-in-law, Arthur Wichtowski and sister-in-law, Judith A. A’Hearn-Crossman.

Marianne is survived by her son Michael A. Wichtowski, with his children Andrew and Allyson; daughter Michelle A. Wichtowski with "Gus"; sister-in-law Carol Wichtowski; former daughter-in-law Melissa Wichtowski, all of Elmira; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Marianne grew up in Elmira, the 2nd oldest of 4 children. She fondly recalled the days of living on Church St., spending time with her brothers and neighborhood friends at the town hall, summers with family at Keuka Lake, as well as annual Clune family reunions at Rock Lake PA. Marianne graduated from Notre Dame High School class of 1961 before enrolling in nursing school in Scranton PA. Marianne went on to pursue a rewarding career in nursing starting in NJ before returning to Elmira where she married the love of her life, David, in 1968. Marianne, while raising her children, was a well-known motherly figure in the Baty St. neighborhood, especially to her children's friends. She retired from St. Joseph’s Hospital, Elmira in 2002. Her passion for helping others was evident in the way she cared for the residents of the 3rd floor hospital’s Skilled Nursing Unit where she was highly regarded for her kindness and compassion towards all. In retirement, Marianne enjoyed traveling with David, and spending time with her family and friends. She was strong in faith and proud of her Irish heritage as evident of her trips to Ireland as well as eagerly anticipating annual St Patrick's Day activities. She was a proud member of St Mary's Southside parish. In later years she enjoyed her time living at Woodbrook in Elmira where she made special memories with new friends before moving to the Chemung County Nursing Facility where she resided until her passing. 

Family and friends are invited to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water Street, Elmira, on Monday, March 25, 2024, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. A prayer service will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at 9:15 a.m., followed by a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Church, 224 Franklin Street, Elmira. A livestream of the Mass will be available through the Facebook page for Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish (https://www.facebook.com/ElmiraCatholic). Interment, with committal prayers, will then take place at St. Peter & Paul's Cemetery.

Services celebrating Marianne’s life were held Tuesday, March 26, 2024. A prayer service was held at 9:15 a.m. at McInerny Funeral Home, followed by a 10:00 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary’s Church. Father Richard Farrell was the celebrant, with Father John DeSocio concelebrating, and Deacon Joe Erway also present on the altar. Music was led by pianist Mary Montanarella, and cantors, JoAnn White and David Stearns. Two prelude hymns were sung, Going Home and Ave Maria. The funeral procession entered the church with bagpipes played by Mike Sullivan. Marianne’s son Michael and grandchildren, Allyson and Andrew placed the funeral pall on the casket, with daughter Michelle placing the crucifix. Readings were given by grandchildren, Allyson and Andrew, with Deacon Joe Erway delivering the Gospel. Words of Remembrance were then given by family friend Kevin McCarthy and son Michael, followed by the homily by Father Farrell.  Niece Karly Locher led the General Intercessions. Offertory Gifts were presented by nieces, Karen Rogers, Kathryn Hayes and Karleen A’Hearn. Niece Tracy Wichtowski and family friends, Matt and Katie Cornacchio were Eucharistic Ministers. Hail Mary, Gentle Woman was the communion hymn, followed by a recording of Jack Keefe’s Mother Machree as a meditation.  The Strife is O’er was played to close the Mass. Everyone processed out of church to Unforgettable, by Nat King Cole. Pallbearers were Andrew Wichtowski, nephews, Tom and Steve Wichtowski, John Rogers and Chayton A’Hearn, friends, Kevin McCarthy, Joe Robinson and John Townson. Interment was at St. Peter & Paul’s Cemetery with Father Richard Farrell leading committal prayers and Mike Sullivan piping “Amazing Grace”. Family and friends then gathered at the Hibernian Center to continue celebrating Marianne’s life.

Those wishing may remember Marianne with a donation to Notre Dame High School, 1400 Maple Avenue, Elmira, NY 14904 or to a charity of one’s choice. Marianne's family would like to thank the staff at Arnot Ogden Medical Center 4B for the special care their mom received in her final days.